The OPV ‘Rayo’ takes part in a new maritime surveillance mission

• The ship reinforces the naval presence in the Canary Islands archipelago as part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence operation

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Rayo’ (P-42) has set sail to contribute to the security of maritime areas of national interest, particularly in the waters of the Canary Islands archipelago. This mission is being carried out within the framework of the presence, surveillance and deterrence operations of the Armed Forces, with the ‘Rayo’ integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Commander of the Operational Command (MOPS).

The ship will remain at sea until 28 February, carrying out maritime surveillance and security tasks in areas of sovereignty and national interest. The aim of these activities is to reinforce the naval presence. 

As part of its mission, the ‘Rayo’ is scheduled to call at the port of San Sebastian de La Gomera from 25 to 26 February. In addition to the naval presence, a programme of guided tours of the ship will be organised for civil society.

OPV 'RAYO' (P-42)

The OPV ‘Rayo’ is one of the maritime action ships under the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART), based in the Naval 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, as well as missions in collaboration with State Security Forces and Corps at sea. 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 within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinated to the Chief of Defence Staff, responsible at its level for the planning, execution, and monitoring of permanent operations for the surveillance and security of maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility, and national interest. It operates under the command of the Admiral for Maritime Action (ALMART) and is headquartered in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence operations are an effective tool for monitoring sovereign space, 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.