The offshore patrol vessel Atalaya increases presence, surveillance and deterrence in waters of maritime permanent interest

 During its operational activation, the OPV ‘Atalaya’ (P-74) will reinforce maritime security in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Balearic and Alboran Seas

The Spanish OPV ‘Atalaya’ has begun its operational activation to carry out one-month Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence (PSD) operations.

It has set sail from the port of Ferrol (Ferrol Naval Base) and will navigate the Balearic and Alboran seas, as well as the Strait of Gibraltar. Its primary objective is to contribute to the protection of civilians and the overall security of waters of maritime permanent interest.

During this activation, the ‘Atalaya’ will carry out Maritime Security Operations (MSO), which consist of maritime traffic verification and control activities, in order to ensure freedom of navigation. In addition, it will conduct maritime presence actions in the vicinity of the Alboran Island and Spanish sovereign waters in North Africa. To this end, a Marine Corps Security Force (CSF) has been embarked to enhance its force protection and maritime interdiction capabilities.

In addition, the ‘Atalaya’ is planned to call at the Naval Station Rota (NAVSTA Rota), where it will make a logistical stopover, as well as at the port of Malaga. Once completed, it will return to its base at the Ferrol Military Arsenal.

For the purposes of this mission, the OPV ‘Atalaya’ is integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish) and is under the control of the Commander of the Operations Command (MOPS in Spanish).

The OPV ‘Atalaya’ (P-74)

The OPT ‘Atalaya’ is one of the maritime action vessels under the command of the Chief Commander of the Maritime Action Force (FAM in Spanish) Units in Ferrol, based at the Ferrol Military Arsenal. Similarly to the other Serviola-class offshore patrol vessels (of which it is the fourth unit in the series), the ‘Atalaya’ was designed to sail on the high seas for long time periods and in rough seas, aiming at preventing any significant degradation of its capabilities. These vessels are designed to carry out missions of all kinds, notably the following: maritime security, protection of national maritime interests and control of areas of maritime permanent interest, as well as missions in collaboration with State Security Forces and Corps at sea, such as operations against drug trafficking or terrorism. They also carry out missions to control and protect maritime traffic, to ensure surveillance and fishing control, and to combat maritime pollution.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish) is the body of the operational structure of the Spanish Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (CHOD) and responsible, at its level, for planning, conducting and monitoring permanent surveillance and security 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 the Headquarters of Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are an effective strategy for maintaining surveillance of sovereign spaces, enabling the early detection of any type of threat, deterring potential criminal acts and, if needed, facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

The Land Operational Command (MOT in Spanish), Maritime Operational Command (MOM), Air Operational Command (MOA in Spanish), Cyberspace Operational Command (MOC in Spanish) and Space Operational Command (MOESPA in Spanish) are part of the permanent command operational structure, which carries out these presence, surveillance and deterrence operations (OPVD in Spanish) under the operational control of the Commander of the Operations Command (MOPS in Spanish).