The Balearic Islands Operational Command deploys patrols in Ibiza and Formentera

• This December, for the third time in 2025, this deployment is being carried out to increase presence and surveillance in the Balearic Islands

Platoon and section units from the Palma 47 Infantry Regiment, based in Palma de Mallorca, have been deployed to the islands of Ibiza and Formentera to carry out patrols and reconnaissance, both on foot and by motor vehicle, with the mission of increasing surveillance and comprehensive protection of the island area.

This activation improves knowledge of the geographical environment through surveillance patrols, which is essential in order to provide better and more informed support to the civil authorities and the State Security Forces and Corps, should the need arise. In addition, these operational activities increase the presence of the Army in all the islands of the Balearic archipelago.

This mission is part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD in Spanish) and is carried out under the operational control of the Operations Command throughout Spanish territory.

The Land Operations Command and OPVD

Presence, surveillance and deterrence operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of national sovereign spaces, enabling early detection of threats and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

In this general context, the Land Operations Command (MOT  in Spanish), with its headquarters in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and under the command of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera, is the Armed Forces body responsible for planning, conducting and monitoring all these permanent operations in its area of responsibility: the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla and the Balearic Islands.

Together with the MOM, the Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish), Air Operational Command (MOA in Spanish), Space Operational Command (MOESPA in Spanish) and Cyberspace Operational Command (MOC in Spanish) make up the Permanent Command structure. Every day, some 850 military personnel from the Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, which are carried out under the operational control of the Operations Command.