Patrol Vessel Isla de León Commences Surveillance Mission in National Interest Waters

• As part of the Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), the Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Spanish Navy will conduct maritime traffic verification and control

The Isla de León Patrol Vessel (P-83) has commenced a maritime surveillance mission, reinforcing naval presence and monitoring sovereignty spaces, with the aim of ensuring national security and interests in the waters of Ceuta and North African enclaves. This mission is being carried out under the framework of the Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), with the vessel integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS). 

Among her primary tasks, the Isla de León will conduct maritime traffic verification and control activities, as well as oversee fishing activities in her assigned navigation area. In this manner, she contributes her specific capabilities to the OPVDs, which are conducted permanently in all areas of national sovereignty—land, sea, air, cybersecurity, and space—through their respective five operational commands.

Patrol Vessel de León’ (P-83)

The Isla de León Zone Patrol Vessel (P-83) is a vessel of the Maritime Action Force (FAM), named after the Island of León, which houses the city of San Fernando in 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 Force Units in Cádiz (COMARDIZ) and is based in the autonomous city of Ceuta. Her primary roles include maritime surveillance and naval presence in areas of sovereignty and national interest, contributing to the conduct of maritime security operations and supporting civil authorities with responsibilities for the state's maritime actions.

Maritime operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is an element of the Armed Forces’ operational structure, subordinate to the Spanish Chief of Defence (JEMAD). It is responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of presence, surveillance, and deterrence operations in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility, and national interest. The command is under the leadership of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART) and is based in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

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

The Land (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Space (MOESPA), and Cyber (MOC) Operational Commands form the structure of Permanent Commands. Daily, around 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in these ongoing operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command.