Contingent relief at 'Tigru' Detachment

• The detachment is deployed in NATO's Enhanced Air Policing operation to reinforce the Allied presence on the Eastern Flank of Europe.

The handover ceremony was held between the second and third contingents of the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) 'Tigru' in the NATO Enhanced Air Policing operation, under the operational command of the Operations Command. The ceremony was presided over by Colonel Ignacio Lanzat Lacour, representing the Operations Command, and was also attended by the Spanish military attaché in Romania and personnel from the 76th ISR Brigade.

The outgoing Force Commander, Commander Eduardo Arlandis Diez has handed over the command of the 'Tigru' Detachment to Commander Luis Julian Martinez Azabarte, ending the mission of the 2nd contingent after four months of deployment, in which the operational rate of the AN/TPS 43M radar has been quite high and more than 5000 hours of operation have been achieved.

Colonel Lanzat, in his speech to the personnel, highlighted the work carried out by the outgoing contingent, which has been recognised by the chain of command of the Enhanced Air Police (eAP) operation, and wished the best of luck to the incoming personnel in this new challenge that is beginning.

Operation 'eAP-RDR' is part of the commitment acquired by Spain, under the NATO flag, with the objective of reinforcing the allied presence on the Eastern Flank through the enlistment and deployment of an early air surveillance radar, guaranteeing its sustainability at all times in order to effectively contribute to the deterrence of allied countries.

Enhanced Aerial Surveillance is part of NATO's security measures introduced in 2014, following Russia's illegal and illegitimate annexation of the Crimean peninsula. The Alliance implemented these Security Measures with the aim of demonstrating the collective resolve of the Allies, demonstrating NATO's defensive nature, and deterring Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies.