The RACTA 4 Coastal Defence Unit deploys in Motril to ensure maritime safety

• The Unit, belonging to the 4th Coastal Artillery Regiment of the Field Artillery Command, will contribute to the surveillance of port traffic

The 4th Coastal Artillery Regiment (RACTA 4), part of the Field Artillery Command, has deployed the UDACTA IV/25 Costa Defence Unit in the town of Motril (Granada) and its surroundings.

This artillery unit, led by Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Holgado del Águila, is part of the Maritime Operational Command and contributes to permanent expeditionary surveillance missions to increase real-time visibility and safety of maritime traffic in the surroundings of the Port of Motril.

During this operational activity, more than a hundred soldiers from RACTA 4 deploy—with artillery, logistics, communications, and command and control equipment—in municipal areas near the Mediterranean coast, which will be duly marked and cordoned off, and always in coordination with local and port authorities. During the various days of deployment, special attention will be paid to avoiding any impact on the daily life of the population.

In this Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operation (OPVD), this Unit's main mission is to increase knowledge of the maritime environment through joint surveillance of waters of national interest. To this end, it will monitor maritime traffic and inform the relevant authorities of any vessels that may carry out in suspicious activity.

During her deployment in Granada, UDACTA IV/25 is supported by the fifth company of the Seventh Flag of the Legion (Almería), whose task is to provide support and ensure the protection of the artillery unit.

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 Operational Command (MOT), Maritime Operational Command (MOM), Air Operational Command (MOA), Space Operational Command (MOESPA) and Cyberspace Operational Command (MOC) make up the Permanent Commands structure.

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is organ of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (JEMAD), responsible at its level for planning, conducting and monitoring operations involving presence, surveillance and deterrence in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. It is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART), Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and is headquartered in Cartagena.