The Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) ‘Tigru’, deployed in the Romanian town of Schitu, has commemorated the second anniversary of its participation in the NATO eAP-RDR (enhanced Air Policing Radar) mission with a military event attended by personnel from the Romanian Air Force (RoAF), as the host country providing the necessary support to the Spanish contingent.
During the ceremony, the flag was raised and the head of the detachment, Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Conde Granado, gave a speech in which he highlighted the importance of two years in this mission, which aims to contribute to the surveillance of airspace on the eastern flank of the Alliance. To conclude the ceremony, the Air and Space Force anthem was sung and a tribute was paid to the Spanish military personnel who have fallen for Spain.
On 15 October 2022, the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) ‘Tigru¡ began the progressive deployment of personnel and capabilities in Romania. Over the years, 246 Air and Space Force airmen have been part of this detachment.
Thanks to the efficient maintenance of the weapon system, together with the professionalism of the ‘Tigru’ detachment's personnel, the AN/TPS-43M long-range tactical radar, belonging to the Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA), reached 15,000 hours of service last month in the surveillance of NATO's eastern flank. Despite its years of service, the adverse weather in the area and the fact that the units providing comprehensive maintenance are based in Spain, the AN/TPS-43M has proven to be a reliable and robust system with a very significant operational capability.
Persistent Effort Operation
The AN/TPS-43M radar deployed in Romania is part of the Persistent Effort Operation, which also integrates UDAA NASAMS in Latvia and UDAA NASAMS in Estonia, the Patriot battery in Turkey and air detachments performing air-policing missions, such as the DAT ‘Paznic’, which is currently located in Romania.
All in all, Spain's participation in protecting the eastern flank of Allied territory is a sign of Spain's commitment to the Alliance and another example of solidarity with our allies, with whom we share the values that underpin and protect democracy, freedom and global security.