The 57th “Orion” Air Tactical Detachment participates in the 42nd edition of the Grand Bara race in Djibouti

•   Six members of the “Orion” DAT competed in this sporting event that takes place in the desert

Soldiers from the 57th Tactical Air Detachment (TAD) “Orion” took part in the Grand Bara race, an event with two versions, 7 or 15 kilometres, which takes place in the Djibouti desert. It is one of the most important sporting events organised by the French Armed Forces in the country.

This year's event was attended by a large number of military personnel from the various nations deployed, as well as professional runners. Specifically, “Orion” was represented by six participants, who tackled a linear course, with rising temperatures and refreshment points every 2.5 kilometres. The iconic start, with three French Mirage fighter jets flying overhead, marked the beginning of the challenge that the Spanish airmen successfully completed.

The 57th “Orion” detachment, commanded by Major Alberto Romeralo de la Cruz, recently began its deployment in the European Union's Operation EUNVAFOR Atalanta and is now fully integrated into the mission's activities.

Participation in this event highlights the importance of maintaining the physical fitness of military personnel, which is essential for the success of the air mission. In addition, the race represents an opportunity for integration and coexistence with other international military forces, which strengthens international cooperation and increases camaraderie in a demanding operational environment such as that in the Horn of Africa region.

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. With the strong support of Spain, it became 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.

Spain currently contributes to Operation Atalanta with approximately 350 military personnel and the following resources:

• The Operation Headquarters (OHQ) at the Rota Naval Base, from where the operation has been led since 2019.
• The frigate Victoria, which has a helicopter and a Special Operations team on board.
• The Orion Air Tactical Detachment in Djibouti. Currently, due to the monsoon season, the D4 maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft remains temporarily in Spain.
• Liaison officers located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium) and Port Victoria (Seychelles).
• Personnel in the Logistics Support Unit for the Operation deployed in Djibouti (Djibouti).