The patrol vessel ‘Isla de León’ begins a new activation in presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in waters of national interest.

• In maritime areas of sovereignty and interest, the vessel will carry out security and surveillance tasks for the benefit of the protection of the public.

The Zone Surveillance Patrol Vessel (PVZ) ‘Isla de León’ (P-83) has begun a new operation of naval presence, maritime surveillance and control of areas of national interest in the waters of Ceuta and the Spanish North African coast. The objective is to carry out surveillance and security of navigation, greater knowledge of the maritime environment and deterrence of illegal activities.

This mission is carried out within the framework of the Armed Forces' Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, with the ship integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

Patrol vessel ‘Isla de León

The patrol vessel ‘Isla de León’ is part of the Maritime Action Force Units Command in Cádiz (COMARDIZ), and is based in the autonomous city of Ceuta. It is a Maritime Action Force (FAM) vessel that takes its name from the Isla de León, which is home to the city of San Fernando, Cádiz. The patrol boat ‘Isla de León’ (P-83) is part of the ‘Toralla’ class, along with the patrol boats ‘Toralla’ (P-81) and ‘Formentor’ (P-82) based in Cartagena and the ‘Isla Pinto’ (P-84) in Melilla.

Its main tasks are maritime surveillance and naval presence in areas of sovereignty and interest, contributing to the conduct of maritime security operations and supporting those civilian authorities with responsibility for State action at sea.

Of the RODMAN 101 class, unique in the Navy, due to its length of 101 feet - equivalent to some 31 metres - it previously served in the Coastguard Service of the Xunta de Galicia, until it was handed over to the Navy in October 2022.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the body within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence Staff (JEMAD) responsible, at his level, for planning, conducting and monitoring presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. It is under the command 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 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), Space (MOESPA) and Cyberspace (MOC) Operational Commands make up the Permanent Command structure. On a daily basis, some 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command.