F-18 aircraft belonging to the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT in Spanish) ‘Paznic’ participated in an air-to-air combat exercise alongside ‘Rafale’ fighters belonging to the French Air and Space Army, and F-16s belonging to the Romanian Air Force.
Specifically, three aircraft from the DAT ‘Paznic’, currently deployed at the Mikhail Kogalniceanu air base in Romania, were involved. Two of the Spanish F-18s arrived from the Zaragoza air base.
The exercise involved simulated combat, supported from the ground by the ‘Crystal’ Surveillance and Control Centre (CRC) and the French anti-aircraft artillery system MAMBA, which carry out aircraft tracking and identification. Three controllers and a data link operator from the ‘Paznic’ DAT are integrated in the CRC.
Also, for operational requirements and as part of training, the aircraft executed an in-flight refuelling - an essential manoeuvre for air operations that are conducted at a considerable distance from the deployment base.
These exercises represent an important integration, not only among different NATO allies, but also among units from different domains, such as, in this case, the French anti-aircraft artillery system MAMBA together with air assets.
'Persistent Effort' Operation
The Spanish contingent deployed at the Mihail Kogălniceanu air base (Romania) is part of the ‘Persistent Effort’ operation, which also includes the UDAA NASAMS in Latvia, the Patriot battery in Turkey and the ‘Tigru’ detachment - with the radar of the Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA in Spanish) - also deployed in Romania.
All in all, Spain's participation in protecting the eastern flank of Allied territory demonstrates Spain's commitment to the Alliance and is another example of solidarity with our allies, with whom we share the values that uphold and protect democracy, freedom and global security.