The radar of the ‘Tigru’ Tactical Air Detachment surpasses 22,000 hours of air surveillance in Romania

• The tactical air detachment is a key element in the protection of NATO's eastern flank airspace and further evidence of Spain’s commitment to collective security

The AN/TPS-43M air surveillance radar, deployed at the headquarters of Schitu, Romania, has reached 22,000 operational hours as part of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD), within the framework of NATO’s Standing Defence Plan, Persistent Effort.

Since October 2022, it has been the cornerstone of the ‘Tigru’ Tactical Air Detachment (TAD), made up of Spanish Air and Space Force personnel who work for the promotion of collective security.

During their service in Romania, the teamwork of the different rotations of airmen of the detachment, where the ninth contingent is currently deployed, has been essential in maintaining the radar for high levels of optimal operability.

In this context, the radar has proven to be a reliable and efficient asset in its surveillance mission on the Romanian Black Sea flank. In the words of the Commander of ‘Tigru’ Detachment, Commander Juan Pedro Segovia Vargas, ‘the work and selfless effort of the military personnel from this contingent enables us to continue fulfilling the mission, while demonstrating the capabilities and preparedness of our Spanish Armed Forces to operate in missions abroad with NATO allies’.

The AN/TPS-43M radar of the Mobile Air Traffic Control Group (GRUMOCA in Spanish) has been in service with the Spanish Air and Space Force for more than 20 years and has been deployed for almost three years in NATO’s enhanced Air Policing-RDR (eAP-RDR) mission.

NATO IAMD-Operation ‘Persistent Effort’

The AN/TPS-43M radar, deployed in Romania, is part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD) operation, within the framework of 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 ‘Vilkas’ Detachment, located 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 values that sustain and safeguard democracy, freedom and global security.