Spain concludes air-ground integration special operations course in Ghana

Spanish military personnel have delivered this training to strengthen the capabilities of Ghana’s elite forces

A group of military personnel from the Air and Space Force’s Parachute Engineer Squadron (EZAPAC) has completed a training activity for personnel from the Ghana Air Force’s special operations unit. The Special Operations Squadron (SOS) is currently in its initial phase of development. As part of this process, EZAPAC instructors have provided instruction and training to its personnel focused on Air-Ground Integration (AGI) operations. AGI is an essential capability in modern operations, providing the necessary tools to optimise coordination between ground elements and air assets in highly complex operational scenarios.

Among the key areas addressed during this training were Combat Controller (CCT) capabilities, Joint Fires, and Personnel Recovery in hostile environments, all of which are fundamental to the planning, conduct and sustainment of special air operations.

In addition, the programme has incorporated supplementary content on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Close Quarters Battle (CQB), Special Reconnaissance (SR), and Direct Action (DA), thereby enhancing the participants’ technical training.

The training delivered by EZAPAC has contributed to the gradual development of the SOS, providing the basic knowledge and tools required to establish a foundation upon which to build its future operational capabilities.

Upon completion of the programme, EZAPAC personnel shared their assessment of the results achieved and the importance of this cooperation: “We conclude this phase with the satisfaction of having far exceeded our objectives, both professionally and personally. The work carried out is reflected in the students’ solid technical progress, as their development and commitment have been consistent. For us, seeing that effort validated by the students’ recognition is the greatest reward.”

This initiative reflects Spain’s commitment to military cooperation in West Africa within the European framework of the EU Security and Defence Initiative in the Gulf of Guinea (EU SDI GoG), which aims to strengthen the defence and security capabilities of partner countries in the region.

Spain in the EU SDI GoG

Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1599 established this European military cooperation initiative in Africa, which received Spain’s explicit support. Its main objective is to contribute to the development of Armed Forces capable of containing and responding to the pressure exerted by armed terrorist groups in the West African countries where this cooperation is implemented: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin.

Since October 2024, following a European-level planning process, Spain has actively participated in the EU SDI GoG. To date, Spanish military personnel have conducted several training activities in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. In terms of content, the training has covered a wide range of areas, always in accordance with the requirements of the Armed Forces of the participating African countries.