Patrol Vessel Isla de León Reinforces Maritime Security in Spanish Waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea

• The patrol vessel begins a new operational deployment focused on surveillance and freedom of navigation in areas of permanent interest

The Zone Surveillance Patrol Vessel (ZSPV) Isla de León has commenced a new activation period conducting naval presence operations, maritime surveillance and control of areas of permanent interest in the waters of Ceuta and Spain’s North African enclaves.

This deployment of Isla de León, with a crew of ten sailors, will run until 8 February within the framework of the Armed Forces’ Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations. During this period, the vessel is integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and operates under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

According to the ship’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Francisco Javier Morales Yedra, “the objective of this operation is to conduct patrols in order to achieve comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness, a key factor in distinguishing routine activity from suspicious behaviour. We also coordinate with other agencies and organisations with maritime responsibilities, such as the Guardia Civil Maritime Service, Customs Surveillance Service and Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency.”

Maritime Operational Command and Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) belongs to the Armed Forces' operational structure and is subordinate to the Chief of the Defence (CHOD). At its level, it is responsible for planning, conducting and monitoring Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations in areas of maritime sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. The MOM is commanded by the Maritime Action Admiral (ALMART), Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and is headquartered in Cartagena.

Integrated into the MOM, various Spanish Navy vessels conduct Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations. These operations are an effective tool to maintain surveillance of areas of sovereignty and interest, enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, contribute, together with other State institutions, to their comprehensive protection, and enable early detection of threats, facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

Together with the MOM, the Land Operational Command (MOT), Air Operational Command (MOA), Space Operational Command (MOESPA) and Cyberspace Operational Command (MOC) form the structure of Permanent Operational Commands. On a daily basis, approximately 850 members of the Armed Forces are engaged in permanent operations conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).