Ministry of Defence logo Defence Staff logo
Mapa del mundo

The Air Force “Orion” Detachment mission against piracy in the Indian Ocean turns 11 years

In Djibouti
September 26, 2019

·         The detachment is integrated into the European Union Atalanta Operation.

The Air Force “Orion” Detachment has fulfilled its mission against piracy in the Indian Ocean for 11 years. In September 2008, Spain launched the Operation “Centinela Índico” in response to an increase in piracy within Somalian coasts, which directly threatened Spanish fishing fleet and general shipping. For this reason, the maritime patrol aircraft P-3 Orion was deployed at the Airbase 188 “Coronel Massart” in Djibouti, together with a contingent of 50 soldiers and the necessary support resources.

It was not the first time that the Air Forces operated from that African country, but it was the first time that it was deployed as part of a strictly national operation, providing prevention, surveillance and protection to Spanish fishing boats and merchants against piracy attacks. Soon afterwards, the European Union decided to create a joint force, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), bringing together Units from different countries under Operation Atalanta. In January 2009 the Orion Detachment was integrated into that operation.

The Spanish detachment in Djibouti has already reached 11 years of continuous operation. This effort, coordinated with the rest of EU members, has drastically reduced illegal activities of piracy: from around 250 attacks against ships to being practically non-existent today. Sailing in the Indian Ocean entails a very high level of security, inconceivable in the past, and the World Food Programme deliveries to riparian countries can be completed without interruption.

“Orion” Detachment efforts are evident through the landmarks achieved: mostly 12,000 flight hours, more than 1,500 missions fulfilled, 35 employee turnovers and, within them, 67 crew and maintenance rotations. This work would not be possible without the support of all the national sustaining chain, which involves Commands and Units from the Operations Command and the Air Force. Thanks to them, a constant flow of personnel and material has been maintained in order to fulfil the mission in this African remote location.

Fotos