The BAM 'Tornado' begins a presence, surveillance and deterrence operation

• It will carry out its mission in the Strait of ‘Gibraltar’ and the ‘Alboran’ Sea.

The offshore patrol vessel (BAM) 'Tornado' departed from the naval base of Rota, to start maritime surveillance tasks in the maritime spaces of national sovereignty in the area of the Strait of 'Gibraltar' and the ‘Alboran’ Sea. This mission is carried out within the framework of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations of the Armed Forces, with the 'Tornado' integrated in the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command (MOPS).

The BAM 'Tornado' will carry out Maritime Security Operations (MSO), such as verification activities and maritime traffic control, in order to ensure freedom of navigation. Likewise, it will carry out naval presence operations in the proximities of the 'Alboran' Island and Spanish sovereign waters in the North of Africa.

For this operation, the BAM has embarked a Marine Operational Security Team (EOS), which allows it to increase its capabilities in force protection and maritime interdiction.

On the other hand, the ship is scheduled to call at the port of Algeciras on 10 and 11 October, as well as in the port of Malaga from 18 to 20 of the same month. During its stopover in port, in addition to the naval presence, open days will be held for the civilian population who wish to visit the ship.

BAM ‘Tornado’

The BAM ‘Tornado’ is one of the maritime action ships of the Canary Islands Naval Command, based at the 'Las Palmas' Shipyard, and 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 carry out maritime traffic control and protection missions, fisheries surveillance and control, and maritime pollution control.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the body of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (JEMAD) responsible, at his level, for planning, conducting and monitoring permanent surveillance and security operations in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. It is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Operations (ALMART) and is based in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of sovereign land, sea and air spaces, enabling early detection of threats and facilitating an immediate and feasible response to any potential crisis.

The Land (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Cyberspace (MOC) and Space (MOESPA) Operational Commands make up the Permanent Command structure. On a daily basis, some 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in these types of operations under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command.