Tactical Air Detachment ‘Tigru’ visits the 76th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade of the Romanian Air Force

• This activity reinforces the Spanish contingent's collaboration and commitment to the stability and security of the airspace on NATO's Eastern Flank.

 ‘Tigru’ Tactical Air Detachment (DAT ‘Tigru’ in Spanish) components, deployed at the headquarters of Schitu, Romania, as part of NATO's Standing Defence Plan: Persistent Effort, visited the 76th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Brigade and the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) of the Romanian Air Force (RoAF), located in the town of Moara Vlăsiei, on the outskirts of Bucharest.

The oficial visit began at the 76th ISR Brigade headquarters, where the Colonel Commander of the contingent delivered a detailed presentation on the functions and capabilities of this large Romanian unit. During the presentation, the equipment and systems used for air control were presented, as well as the operational coordination of the RoAF. In this context, the members of DAT ‘Tigru’ had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the procedures and assets that support surveillance and reconnaissance operations, which are crucial for maintaining the security and control of Romanian airspace and, ultimately, NATO’s airspace.

Then, the Spanish military personnel moved to the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC). On this location, the elements were shown the organisation and operational capabilities that enable the RoAF to carry out airspace surveillance and control functions, which are closely related to the work that the DAT ‘Tigru’ carries out on a permanent basis (24/7). In fact, the high operability level of the AN/TPS-43M radar, which has reached near 22,000 operational hours integrated into NATO's Air Policing, was recognised and appreciated by members of the Romanian Air Force.

At the end of the visit, gifts were exchanged, which constitutes a symbol of the friendship and cooperation between the Allies forces that have a common goal of ensuring airspace security. This meeting does not only reaffirm the strong parternship between Spain and Romania within the NATO framework, but also highlights the strategic importance of the enhanced Air Policing-Radar (eAP-RDR) mission on NATO’s eastern flank.

Operation NATO IAMD-Operation ‘Persistent Effort’

The AN/TPS-43M radar, deployed in Romania, is part of NATO Operation Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD), which is within the NATO's Standing Defence Plan, Persistent Effort. This plan also includes the NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA) in Latvia, the NATO Patriot battery in Türkiye and the air detachments that carry out Air Policing missions, such as the DAT ‘Stinga, located in Iceland, and the DAT ‘Vilkas’, stationed in Lithuania.

All in all, Spain's participation in the protection of NATO’s eastern flank is a sign of our country’s commitment to the Alliance and yet another example of solidarity with our Allies, with whom we share the responsibility of guaranteeing the security of the territory and population of NATO members, and also the common commitment to freedom and global security.