The OPV Audaz conducts naval presence and maritime surveillance operations in the Chafarinas Islands and North Africa

• The Spanish vessel has been sailing in waters of permanent interest to Spain since 27 December, enhancing security and awareness of the maritime environment

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Audaz, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Fernando Rodríguez García, continues to sail in Spanish territorial waters and areas of sovereignty in North Africa, carrying out Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations.

During its activation, which began on 27 December, the vessel has maintained an active naval presence on the island of Alborán and in Spanish sovereign territories on several occasions. Throughout this time, it has provided support to Navy and Army detachments, and contributed to the defence of natural resources and the prevention of illegal activities that threaten the security of waters of national interest.

“These missions are fundamental to the success of joint action at the national level, providing support between land and sea operational commands. Maintaining a presence in areas of sovereignty and interest is another way of guaranteeing national security and enabling a rapid response to potential threats,” explains the ship's Commander.

During this voyage, the Audaz, which is part of the Maritime Operational Command and under the operational control of the Commander of Operations, has also carried out operational activities in other areas of the Alboran Sea and the Gulf of Cádiz.

The Navy continues to play a fundamental role in defending national maritime interests, ensuring the surveillance of Spanish sovereign maritime areas and reaffirming its commitment to stability and security in North Africa.

Maritime Operational Command and presence, surveillance and deterrence operations

The Maritime Operational Command is part of the operational structure of the Armed Forces. It reports to the Chief of Defence Staff and is 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, Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and is based in Cartagena.

Integrated into the Maritime Operational Command, various Navy vessels carry out, under the operational control of the Operations Command, Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, which are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of areas of sovereignty and interest, increasing awareness of the maritime environment, contributing to its comprehensive protection, alongside other state institutions, and also detecting threats in advance and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

Together with the Maritime Operations Command, the Land, Air, Space and Cyberspace Operations Commands make up the Permanent Commands structure. On a daily basis, around 850 military personnel from the Armed Forces take part in permanent operations, which are carried out under the operational control of the Operations Command.