The OPV ‘Tornado’ conducts surveillance operations in the strait of Gibraltar and in the Alboran Sea

• The purpose of the operation is to carry out maritime traffic control and verification activities

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Tornado’ is carrying out surveillance tasks in the maritime areas under national sovereignty in the surroundings of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea.

The task of the operation is to carry out maritime surveillance and control operations to ensure freedom of navigation. It also carries out naval presence operations in the vicinity of Alboran Island and in Spanish sovereign waters in North Africa. In order to carry out these activities, the ship has embarked a Marine Infantry Operational Security Team, enabling it to enhance its force protection and maritime interdiction capabilities.

The ‘Tornado’ carries out this mission within the framework of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence operations of the Armed Forces, integrated in the Maritime Operational Command (MOM), and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

OPV ‘Tornado’

The OPV ‘Tornado’ is one of the offshore patrol vessels belonging to the Canary Islands Naval Command, which are based at the Arsenal of Las Palmas. They are designed to carry out maritime security missions, protection of national maritime interests and control of areas of sovereignty and national interest. In addition, these modular vessels carry out missions in collaboration with State Security Forces and Corps at sea, such as operations against drug trafficking or terrorism. They also carry out missions of control and protection of maritime traffic, surveillance and control of fishing and the fight against maritime pollution.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

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

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for conducting surveillance of sovereign spaces, enabling early detection of threats and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a 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, there are some 3,000 Armed Forces personnel involved in these kinds of operations under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command.