Spanish PAZNIC Detachment is certified for NATO's Enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania

• 130 Spanish airmen will contribute to the surveillance and protection of the Alliance's southeastern border

Spanish Air Force's PAZNIC detachment is now ready to carry out its missions within NATO's operation 'Enhanced Air Policing (eAP)' in Romania. Combined Air Operations Center Torrejón (CAOC-TJ) has certified on Tuesday, February 2, the full operability of the unit, made up of 130 Air Force personnel and six Eurofighters 'Typhoon' that will operate under CAOC-TJ control during its deployment.

"The enhanced Air Policing mission is an extension of NATO's Defense Policy aimed at deterrence through presence and transparency of its operations", said Lieutenant Colonel José Enrique Hernández Medel, head of Detachment. "The Spanish Eurofighters will contribute during the next two months to the surveillance and protection of the southeastern border of Europe, working closely with their Romanian allies," he added.

On the other hand, NATO's Combined Air Operations Center Torrejón Commander, Lieutenant General Fernando de la Cruz, has stated that both the CAOC and the Romanian Control Centers, as well as the Spanish detachment, have shown " high flexibility" to certify the unit despite the pandemic. "This certification is a warranty of professionalism, coherence and teamwork," he emphasized.

This mission reflects the collective determination of the Allies and the defensive nature of NATO, and deters the threat of aggression against its Allies. It is a particularly flexible and responsive tool to the shifting security situation the Alliance faces and sends a clear message of solidarity, effectiveness and determination.

In the recent years, allied combat fighter detachments from Canada, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom have deployed aircrafts in Romania in support of NATO's Security Measures in the South. Spain has been contributing to the Baltic Air Policing mission since 2006, but this is the first time that it has undertaken this role in the southern area of Europe.