The Delta 4 Aircraft of the ‘Orion’ Detachment Reaches 4,000 Flight Hours in Operation ‘Atalanta’

• The detachment has been providing surveillance and deterrence against piracy and illicit trafficking in the Indian Ocean since 2008

The D4 maritime patrol, from the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) ‘Orion’, performing patrol and reconnaissance duties, has achieved 4,000 flight hours during its deployment in Djibouti.

This milestone coincides with the 54^th contingent and the 93^rd crew of the detachment. The contribution of the D4 is a key element in ensuring security in the Gulf of Aden and along the Somali coast, which are part of the operational area of Operation ‘Atalanta’. The capabilities provided by airborne assets directly enhance the security of maritime traffic and stability in the region.

The participation of the DAT ‘Orion’ in Operation ‘Atalanta’, led by Spain since 2019 through the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) based at Rota Naval Base (Cadiz), represents our country’s commitment to fighting piracy and protecting vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the Indian Ocean.

Since the launch of Operation ‘Atalanta’ in 2009, Spain has been the only EU country to participate continuously.

Operation ‘Atalanta’

Operation ‘Atalanta’ was the result of a series of UN resolutions adopted following an increase in piracy acts in the Indian Ocean from 2005 onwards. With Spain's support, it became the first European Union naval operation conducted under the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). In December 2024, Operation ‘Atalanta’ was extended until February 2027, reflecting the achievements made and the challenges ahead.

Throughout this time, the operational area has been expanded in successive mandates, and currently includes the Gulf of Aden and neighbouring countries, including the port and city of Muscat (Oman), the Somali Basin, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Suez, and the Gulf of Aqaba.

Currently, under the operational control of the Operations Command, Spain contributes approximately 350 military personnel to Operation ‘Atalanta’, along with the following assets and units:

• The Operation Headquarters (OHQ) at Rota Naval Base
• One frigate/warship
• One Special Operations Maritime Unit (SOMTU)
• One SH 60 B helicopter from the 10^th  Squadron
• One Scan Eagle drone from the 11^th  Squadron
• One maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft in Djibouti (DAT ‘Orion’)
• Liaison offices located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium), and Port Victoria (Seychelles).
• A Operation Logistics Support Unit deployed in Djibouti (Djibouti).

As a demonstration of our commitment to the region's security, Spain has been the only EU country to participate continuously in Operation ‘Atalanta’ since its inception 17 years ago.