Tactical Air detachment ‘Orion’ participates in Multinational Exercise with the Combined Joint Task Force at Horn of Africa.

 This activity reinforces international cooperation, enhances operational procedures and strengthens preparedness for potential crisis response.

The Tactical Air Detachment  ‘Orion’, currently deployed in Djibouti under the framework of Operation Atlanta, has taken part in a simulated structured discussions exercise, conducted at the premises of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa is the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) unit tasked with conducting operations and training activities in the Horn of Africa. Its core mission is to enhance the capabilities of partner nations, promote regional security and stability, as well as deter conflict.

For this specific exercise, a Multinatinoal Coordination Cell was established, with DAT ‘Orión’ taking an active role alongside allied and partner countries.

The main objective of the exercise was to improve joint action in response to a crisis scenario involving a Non –Combatant –Evacuation Operation (NEO).

Execution focused on coordinating the movement of military aircraft to avoid airspace conflicts and congestion at key airfields, as well as on monitoring the evolving situation in the designated evacuation zone. During the joint training, procedures were refined, interoperability among partner nations was strengthened, and groundwork was laid for effective involvement in similar operations in the future.

Spain has actively participated in several NEOs in contexts of armed conflict or humanitarian crisis.  One notable example was the April 2023 evacuation in Sudan, in which DAT ‘Orión’ operated as a forward base from Djibouti.

This deployment clearly demonstrated the detachment’s logistics and operational capabilities.  With the experience gained, the unit is now positioned as a key player in this type of international exercise.

Operation Atalanta

Operation Atalanta was launched in response to a series of UN Security Council Resolutions, following the surge in piracy in the Indian Ocean starting in 2005. With strong support from Spain, it became the European Union´s first naval operation under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

In late 2024, the EU Council approved an extension of the mission mandate until 28 February2027, reflecting both the progress made and the challenge ahead. Over the years, the area of operations has been gradually expanded, and currently includes the Gulf of Aden, neighbouring coastal states (including Muscat port and city in Oman), the Somali Basin, the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba.

At present Spain contributes around 250 military personnel to Operation Atalanta, along with the following assets and units:

• The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) based at Rota Naval Base.
• A frigate or warship.
• A mixed Embarked Air Unit (UNAEMB) comprising a helicopter and a ScanEagle UAV
• An Embarked Special Operations Team (during inter-monsoon periods), or a Ship Protection Team (EOS) during other phases
• A maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft (DAT ‘Orion’) deployed to Djibouti during inter-monsoon period.
•  Liaison Offices located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium), and Port Victoria (Seychelles)
• A Logistic Support Unit deployed in Djibouti

Spain remains the only European Union country to have maintained uninterrupted participation in Operation Atalanta since its launch 16 years ago, reflecting its firm commitment to the security and stability of the region.