The Orion Tactical Air Detachment combines its flight missions in Operation Atalanta with international exercises and meetings

• During his first month of deployment, the detachment's force Commander visited his counterparts from countries with a military presence in Djibouti.

The flight missions of the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) “Orion” —part of Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta— have been complemented by institutional meetings, exercises and international activities, which aim to strengthen and strengthen relations with countries with a military presence in Djibouti.

Since the start of the deployment, the Force Commander of the Orion, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco J. Moreno Chaves, has met with the heads of other friendly and allied units deployed in this strategic enclave. The latest meeting took place at the Japanese air base with the head of the Anti-Piracy Support Group, Colonel Tanaka, and the head of the Anti-Piracy Tactical Air Detachment, Lieutenant Colonel Kouichi, whose unit operates the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft. Spain and Japan have maintained a long-standing relationship since the Japanese unit was permanently established in Djibouti in 2009.

Planning for the “Bull Shark” exercise

In addition, the Orion DAT is currently involved in planning the Bull Shark exercise, which helps maintain a high level of training and interoperability with other armies. This exercise, which will be represented with units from the United States, Japan, France, and the Djibouti Coast Guard, will test coordination procedures for responding to crisis situations.

These activities strengthen the ties between DAT Orion and the rest of the international community present in Djibouti, thereby complementing the detachment's contribution to maritime security in the Horn of Africa.  

Operation Atalanta

Operation Atalanta is the result of a series of UN resolutions adopted following the increase in acts of piracy in the Indian Ocean since 2005. and, with the firm support of Spain, it became —by decision of the EU Council in November 2008— the first European Union naval operation to be carried out within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

At the end of 2024, the Council of the EU approved the extension of the operation's mandate until 28 February 2027, reflecting the achievements made and the challenges for the future. Throughout this time, the area of operations has been expanded in successive mandates and currently covers the Gulf of Aden and neighbouring countries, including the port and city of Muscat (Oman), the Somali Basin, the Red Sea, and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba.

Currently, and during the intermonsoon period, Spain contributes to Operation Atalanta with the following resources and units:

• The Operation Atalanta Headquarters (OHQ), located at the Rota naval base (Cadiz).
• The frigate Victoria.
• A mixed airborne unit (UNAEMB), consisting of a helicopter and a ScanEagle UAV.
• A Shipborne Special Operations Team.
• A maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft (DAT “Orion”) in Djibouti.
• Liaison offices located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium) and Port Victoria (Seychelles).
• Logistical Support Unit for the Operation deployed in Djibouti (Djibouti).

As a sign of our commitment to security in the region, Spain has been the only country in the European Union to participate continuously in Operation Atalanta since its launch 16 years ago, as well as leading the operation from its headquarters located in Rota since 2019.