The 'Tigru' Detachment surpasses 18,000 hours of aerial surveillance

•  Deployed as part of the Integrated Air Missile Defence (IAMD), the detachment demonstrates its commitment to NATO's eastern flank air defence mission.

The AN/TPS-43M radar has reached 18,000 operating hours, monitoring NATO airspace on the eastern flank of Europe. This milestone is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the 'Tigru' Air Tactical Detachment, which is made up of members of the Spanish Air and Space Force. The radar has been deployed in Romania for 27 months as part of NATO's Enhanced Air Policing-RDR operation.

This milestone once again demonstrates the high level of training and technical preparation of the personnel of the "Tigru" detachment, which has guaranteed the full performance of the radar during this long period. The high standards achieved in the maintenance of the radar are the result of the demanding training plans of the Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA), as a reference unit, the efforts of the personnel of the various Spanish Air and Space Force units that make up the Detachment, as well as a robust and efficient logistic chain managed by the Logistic Centre of Transfers . 

The readiness of the 'Tigru' detachment, coupled with the operability of the AN/TPS-43M radar, reflects Spain's ability to lead and conduct air surveillance operations in the Alliance airspace on the Eastern flank. In this way, and with the provision of 18,000 hours of effective service, Spain's significant contribution to NATO's collective security is underlined, as is its commitment to international cooperation.

NATO ‘Persistent Effort’

The AN/TPS-43M radar deployed in Romania is part of the eAP-RDR operation, under NATO's Standing Defence Plan, Persistent Effort. This plan also integrates the UDAA NASAMS in Latvia, the Patriot battery in Turkey and the air detachments that carry out air police missions, such as the DAT ‘Paznic’, which is currently based in Romania. 

Spain's participation in the protection of the eastern flank of the Alliance’s territory is proof 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.