Surveillance and Deterrence operation by the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Isla de León’ in Spanish waters and areas of interest in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea

•  From its naval base in Ceuta, the OPV is sailing to promote knowledge of the maritime environment and the comprehensive protection of waters of interest

 The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Isla de León’ (P-83) is carrying out operations of naval presence, maritime surveillance and inspection in areas of national interest in the waters of Ceuta and the Spanish territories in North Africa.

This Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence (PSD) Operation provides a better understanding of the maritime environment and control of the vessels sailing in our waters, as well as contributing to the prevention and detection of illegal activities, including illegal fishing.

In this context, the OPV ‘Isla de León’ is consolidating its position as a fundamental pillar of the military presence in the naval area under its responsibility, particularly near Ceuta, but also at other strategic points in the Strait of Gibraltar, the crags of Vélez de la Gomera and Alhucemas, and the Alboran Island.

The offshore patrol vessel, commanded by Lieutenant Jaime Garat Gonzalez, is part of the Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS in Spanish).

The Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Isla de León'

The OPV ‘Isla de León’ is assigned to the Command of Maritime Action Force Units in Cadiz (COMARDIZ in Spanish) and is based in the autonomous city of Ceuta. It is a Maritime Action Force (MAF) vessel named after the Isla de León, a historical island that is home to the city of San Fernando, Cádiz. The OPV ‘Isla de León’ (P-83) belongs to the ‘Toralla’ class patrol boat, together with the patrol boats ‘Toralla’ (P-81) and ‘Formentor’ (P-82) based in Cartagena and the ‘Isla Pinto’ (P-84), based in Melilla.

Its main duties are maritime surveillance and naval presence in maritime areas of permanent interest, contributing to conducting maritime security operations and assisting civil authorities responsible for State Action at Sea.

This OPV belongs to the RODMAN 101 class and is unique within the Spanish Navy for its length of 101 feet (equivalent to about 31 metres). It previously served in the Coast Guard Service of the Regional Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia) until it was transferred to the Navy in October 2022.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish)

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 (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Space (MOESPA) and Cyberspace (MOC) Operational Commands constitute the Permanent Operational Commands. On a daily basis, around 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS in Spanish).