The OPV 'Rayo (P-42)' starts its participation in the Permanent Operations of surveillance and deterrence

• The Navy ship will carry out a maritime surveillance patrol in Spanish sovereign waters in the Canary Islands archipelago

The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) 'Rayo' has set sail from its base at the Arsenal of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to carry out a maritime surveillance mission in the waters of the Canary Islands during the next few weeks.During its deployment, the ship will be integrated in the Maritime Operational Command (MOM).

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The MOM is the organization of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defense Staff (JEMAD), responsible for the planning, conduct and monitoring of surveillance and security operations in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. It is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART) and is based in Cartagena.

Permanent Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Permanent Operations are an effective tool to maintain surveillance of the sovereignty spaces, which allows the early detection of threats and facilitates an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.The traditional Land Operational Commands (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Aerospace (MOA) and the recently created Cyberspace (MOC) make up the Standing Command structure. On a daily basis, there are about 3,000 Armed Forces personnel involved in permanent operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command.

Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Rayo (P-42)'

The OPV 'Rayo' is the second of the 'Meteoro' class, dependent on the Canary Islands Naval Command, which is based at the Las Palmas Arsenal. It was launched on May 18, 2010 and entered service on October 26, 2011. It has participated three times in Operation Atalanta in the Indian Ocean, in support of the World Food Program and fight against piracy, and in numerous national and international exercises.

The maritime action ships are designed to carry out maritime security missions, protection of national maritime interests and control of areas of sovereignty and national interest, as well as missions in collaboration with State Security Forces and Corps at sea, such as operations against drug trafficking or terrorism. They also perform missions of control and protection of maritime traffic; surveillance and control of fishing and fight against maritime pollution.