Spanish artillery in Turkey participate in a multinational missile defence exercise

•  The integration of capabilities has demonstrated the effectiveness of common response protocols and the strength of allied collaboration

At Incirlik Air Base in Adana (Turkey), the Spanish contingent Apoyo a Turquía XXII (Support to Turkey XXII), within the framework of NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), carried out the “Taurus” simulation exercise, which is designed to assess the reaction capacity and effectiveness of allied forces in the event of an attack by aircraft and ballistic missiles.

The Spanish unit, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Pablo Gargallo Payá, is equipped with the Patriot anti-missile system, and its main mission is to defend NATO's eastern flank in order to contribute to the security of the allies and regional stability. In this context, the “Taurus” exercise recreated multiple crisis scenarios, which made it possible to test the Spanish missile system, as well as the operational cohesion of the contingent.

Alongside the Spanish contingent, members of the United States Air Force participated—its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and medical teams—as well as Hungarian military personnel deployed in Adana and civilian and military personnel from the host nation, Turkey. This multinational participation allowed for the implementation of interoperability between nations and strengthened multinational cooperation within the framework of NATO. At the same time, the joint integration of capabilities added value to the resolution of the various scenarios, demonstrating the effectiveness of common response protocols and the strength of allied collaboration.

The simulated incidents included several ballistic missile attacks and mass casualty assistance (MASCAL), as well as additional emergencies, including large-scale fires, explosive ordnance disposal, loss of satellite communications, and various logistical and operational contingencies.

During the exercise, the Spanish and allied military forces demonstrated their rapid response, integration and professionalism, accurately applying the procedures established for each type of incident.

Operation 'Persistent Effort'

The Patriot battery deployed in Turkey is part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) operation, which falls under NATO's Standing Defence Plan, Persistent Effort. This plan also includes the NASAMS UDAA in Latvia, the AN/TPS-43M radar of the “Tigru” DAT (in Spanish) in Romania, and air detachments carrying out air policing missions, such as the “Vilkas” DAT, which is located in Lithuania.