The AN/TPS-43M radar deployed in Romania has clocked up 24,000 hours of service during its mission to monitor the Eastern Flank

•  This operational milestone is the result of preparation, professionalism, and commitment from all Airmen of the Tigru Tactical Air Detachment

24,000 hours of service: this is the new operational milestone for the Spanish AN/TPS-43M air surveillance radar, which forms part of the “Tigru” Tactical Air Detachment (DAT). This radar system is deployed at the Schitu air base, where it is integrated into NATO's Air and Missile Defence (NATINAMDS), and is one of the capabilities covered by the Alliance's Standing Defence Plan, Persistent Effort.

After taking over last November, the 10th “Tigru” contingent is currently deployed in Romania, commanded by Commander Yedri Rodríguez Esquivel and made up of 40 airmen from the Air and Space Force. In this context, the continuity, training and professionalism demonstrated by each of these ten rotations of airmen have been key to keeping the radar in full operational condition in the face of the needs and demands of the mission in a complex environment.

These 24,000 hours of service are particularly significant given the logistical complexity involved in maintaining a tactical radar outside national territory. Operating a weapons system located almost 3,000 km from its base requires permanent and professional maintenance, support, infrastructure and communications, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of military personnel and coordination with local and allied agencies. Furthermore, maintaining its daily effectiveness also requires precise planning and constant adaptability.

After three years deployed in the town of Schitu, on the shores of the Black Sea, near Constanta, the AN/TPS-43M radar of the Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA) continues to demonstrate Spain's firm and ongoing commitment to air surveillance and protection on NATO's Eastern Flank, within the framework of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing – RDR (eAP-RDR) operation.

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.