The Head of the ‘Paznic’ Detachment Evaluates the Work Accomplished During Four Months of Deployment in Romania
- This deployment involves 6 Eurofighters from the 14th Wingand an A-400 from the 'Ala 35' unit
This deployment involves 6 Eurofighters from the 14th Wingand an A-400 from the 35th Wing
Over the past four months, more than a hundred military personnel from the Spanish Air and Space Force have been deployed in Romania at the ‘Paznic’ Tactical Air Detachment (DAT in Spanish). ‘Paznic’ means ‘guard’ in Romanian. This mission involves airspace surveillance and protection on the eastern flank, forming part of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence Persistent Effort.
In this context, and ahead of the conclusion of the deployment on 31st March, Lieutenant Colonel Víctor Manuel Garrido Espada (14th Wing), the Head of the ‘Paznic’ DAT, explains the mission and its relevance.
The ‘Paznic’ DAT is an Air Policing detachment on Romanian territory. What is Spain's role in this mission?
The role of the Spanish Armed Forces within the ‘Persistent Effort’ mission is to support the host nation, in this case Romania, in the integrated defence of the common airspace responsibility of NATO. Following the invasion of Crimea in 2014, the need to increase protection of this part of the shared allied responsibility became evident. Spain, as a partner and responsible member of the alliance, contributes to collective security by sending personnel and resources to reinforce security in this region of Europe. In the near future, we will deploy again to Lithuania, where our participation began in 2004.
What does Spain’s participation in the ‘Paznic’ DAT mission mean for Spain and for the Spanish society as a whole?
Spain is a responsible, serious, and trustworthy member of NATO, and as such, we take on the responsibility and obligation to protect not only our national borders but also those within our area of responsibility as a European and NATO partner. It is important to remember that in today’s world, the defence of our country can start thousands of kilometres away from our territory, as it is the case here and Spain must play an active role in safeguarding these shared borders This mission further reinforces Spain’s commitment to the collective security of Europe and NATO.
What has the deployment of the Eurofighters and the A400 meant for this ‘Paznic’ detachment?
Initially, the detachment began with the deployment of around 140 personnel, mostly from Albacete Air Base, to operate and maintain the six Eurofighters. In order for these fighter jets to operate at full capacity, an infrastructure similar to a home base is required: communications staff, operational support, maintenance, administration, and medical support, among others. The Spanish Air and Space Force deployed personnel from up to 17 different units to meet all operational needs. Regarding A400, having aerial refuelling significantly enhances the projection capability and autonomy of the fighter jets. Despite the diversity of assets, integration has been excellent; we have operated as if it were a single unit, which illustrates the expeditionary and deployment capabilities of the Spanish Air and Space Force.
What are the main tasks of the detachment?
The primary mission is to reinforce the air policing service, which directly contributes to the protection of Romania's airspace, supporting the air assets the Romanian Air Force uses for the same purpose. However, throughout the deployment, we have also improved our readiness by conducting numerous missions with the armed forces of allied countries in the region. During the detachment’s time here, we have conducted air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, both day and night, with up to a dozen countries in the surrounding area, which has greatly enhanced our interoperability within the alliance’s defensive structures. Additionally, due to our deployment period, the winter weather has tested both our personnel and aircraft, but everyone has risen to the challenge and performed at the highest level.
How is the relationship with the Romanian forces at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base?
The relationship with the Romanian forces is cordial and friendly. They always support us in whatever we need to operate, and the collaboration is always conducted with a spirit of mutual cooperation to achieve the airspace surveillance and protection. Furthermore, we have flown numerous missions in support of the European F-16 Training Centre and with the Romanian Air Force’s 53rd F-16 Squadron, based at the nearby Fetesti Base. Overall, our relationship and coordination have been highly productive for both countries.
Finally, what have been the most outstanding milestones of the detachment?
Over the past four months, significant progress has been made, with several key operational events taking place. Since our operational certification in early December, we have conducted over 400 sorties and more than 800 flight hours, just with the Eurofighters. Achieving these numbers was possible with the inclusion of the A400 and its in-flight refuelling capability.
Undoubtedly, the most significant operational milestone took place in mid-February, during a massive drone attack on the Ukrainian town of Reni, near the Romanian border. As a result, the detachment’s alert aircraft were scrambled in the middle of the night for an immediate launch (A-Scramble). On that night, all personnel involved acted professionally and efficiently, and we fulfilled what was expected of us. In doing so, we all demonstrated the importance and necessity of being here in support of the collective defence of allied airspace.
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