TAD Orion Military Personnel Train in Shooting Exercises alongside U.S. Infantry in Djibouti

• This activity strengthens international cooperation through the exchange of tactics, techniques and shooting procedures

At the Chabelley base in Djibouti, aircraft pilots from the Protection and Force Support section of the 57th contingent of the Orion Tactical Air Detachment (TAD) took part in a joint firing exercise with the US infantry unit deployed in the African country.

During this training activity, various fire-and-manoeuvre drills were carried out. This provided a new opportunity to improve knowledge and interoperability between allied and friendly forces in the Horn of Africa region.

The exercises were conducted in highly realistic tactical scenarios designed to simulate various combat situations in dynamic conditions. Throughout the training, Spanish and US military personnel shared knowledge on tactics, techniques and operational procedures, with the aim of optimising coordination in an environment as challenging as this African region.

This type of training is essential for strengthening ties between allied countries and improving the response capabilities to potential threats in the area of operations. It also facilitates the integration of units from different countries, allowing for greater flexibility and operability, which is crucial for jointly contributing to increased regional stability and security.

During this activity, the Spanish aviators of the Second Air Deployment Support Squadron (SEADA) demonstrated their high level of training and adaptability, which earned them recognition from the US military.

Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta

Operation Atalanta is the result of a series of United Nations resolutions adopted following the increase in acts of piracy in the Indian Ocean from 2005 onwards. With the firm support of Spain, it became the first naval operation of the European Union conducted under the Common Security and Defence Policy

At the end of 2024, the EU Council approved the extension of the operation’s mandate until 28 February 2027. Over time and through successive mandates the area of operations has been expanded and currently includes 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 approximately 350 military personnel to Operation Atalanta, along with the following main resources: the frigate Victoria, which has a helicopter and a special operations team on board; a P-3 Orion maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, which is currently stationed in Spain due to the complexity of its operation during the monsoon season; and four liaison officers stationed in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium) and Port Victoria (Seychelles). It also contributes to the Operation Headquarters (OHQ), located at the Rota Naval Base.