The Patrol Vessel 'Isla de León' Carries Out Maritime Surveillance Tasks in National Interest Waters

• As part of the Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations, the vessel conducts maritime traffic verification and control activities in its area of operations

The Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Isla de León’ (P-83) is currently engaged in a maritime surveillance mission, naval presence, and sovereignty control, with the objective of ensuring national security and interests in the waters of Ceuta and other Spanish territories within these maritime areas. This mission is carried out within the framework of the Armed Forces' Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations, with the vessel integrated into the Maritime Operational Command and under the operational control of the Commander of the Operations Command.

Among its primary tasks, the ‘Isla de León’ conducts activities related to the verification and control of maritime traffic, while also overseeing fishing activities within its designated area of operations.

Patrol Vessel Isla de León (P-83)

The Patrol Boat Isla de León is a vessel of the Maritime Action Force (FAM), named after the Island of León, home to the city of San Fernando, Cádiz. This patrol vessel is part of the Toralla class, alongside the patrol vessels Toralla (P-81) and Formentor (P-82), based in Cartagena and Isla Pinto (P-84), based in Melilla.

The Isla de León is integrated into the Command of Maritime Action Units in Cádiz and  is based in the autonomous city of Ceuta.

Maritime Operational Command

The Maritime Operational Command is part of the Armed Forces' operational structure, subordinate to the Chief of the Defence. It is responsible for the planning, execution, and monitoring of presence, surveillance, and deterrence operations in sovereign, responsibility and national interest maritime spaces. It operates under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action and is based in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for maintaining vigilance over sovereign spaces, enabling early detection of threats and facilitating immediate and viable responses in the event of a potential crisis. 

The structure of the Permanent Commands is composed of the Land, Maritime, Air, Space, and Cyber Operational Commands. Daily, around 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in these ongoing operations under the operational control of the Joint Operational Command.