US Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists visit the Spanish contingent in Adana

• Within the general framework of cooperation, the military personnel of AT XXII (Spanish contingent of NATO Support to Türkiye Mission) establish a liaison with the personnel of NATO Allies, in order to strengthen relations and promote coordination

At Incirlik Air Base (Adana), the Spanish contingent of NATO Support to Türkiye Mission (AT XXII), as part of NATO's ‘Persistent Effort’ Integrated Air and Missile Defence (PE-IAMD) mission, received a visit from military personnel specialising in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) from the United States Air Force (USAF).

During the visit, the American specialists gained first-hand knowledge of the capabilities that Spain brings to the international NATO mission through the deployment of the Patriot unit and its air missile defence system in Adana. Technical presentations, demonstrations of assets and a detailed explanation of the procedures in the event of air threats or explosion risks in this area of operations were provided.

These types of activities highlight the importance of cooperation between NATO Allies, especially in a geostrategic context such as that of south-eastern Turkey, where deterrence and active defence play a fundamental role in the stability of the region.

Interoperability between NATO Allies and mutual knowledge of capabilities and procedures are essential to ensure a coordinated, effective and secure response to any threat. In terms of military coordination, air defence requires a high degree of technical and operational coordination capabilities in order to properly comply with NATO standards and requirements.

In Incirlik, the Spanish contingent continues its work in protecting Allied airspace, reinforcing the principles of unity, cooperation and shared responsibility that underpin NATO's collective defence on its eastern flank, a region to which Spain is firmly committed.

NATO’s Operation ‘Persistent Effort’ IAMD

The Patriot Unit deployed in Türkiye is part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD) mission, which falls under NATO's Standing Defence Plan (SDP), Persistent Effort. This plan also includes the NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA in Spanish) in Latvia, the AN/TPS-43M radar of the DAT ‘Tigru’ (Tactical Air Detachment) in Romania and the air detachments that carry out NATO Air Policing missions. 

All in all, Spain's participation in the protection of the eastern flank of the allied territory is a sign of Spain's commitment to the Alliance and another example of solidarity with our allies, with whom we share the values that sustain and protect democracy, freedom and global security.