OPV Relámpago Conducts Maritime Security Operation in the Waters of the Canary Islands

The vessel will conduct surveillance of maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest throughout this week as part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Relámpago departed from the naval base in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to begin a Maritime Security Operation (MSO) in the waters of the Canary Islands archipelago, which will continue throughout this week.

This mission forms part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations and is conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command (CMOPS), through the Maritime Operational Command (MOM). During the operation, the ship will conduct maritime surveillance activities aimed at ensuring the security of maritime areas of national interest, enhancing maritime domain awareness and contributing to the freedom of navigation in different maritime areas of the Canary Islands archipelago.

In the words of the commanding officer of Relámpago, Commander Víctor Meijueiro Morado, “these operations are essential to ensure maritime security, protect our interests and maintain stability in a strategic area, while also ensuring a rapid response to any situation that may affect the normal course of maritime activity.”

OPV Relámpago, based at the naval base in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is assigned to the Maritime Action Force (FAM), whose units are primarily tasked with protecting Spain’s maritime interests and monitoring maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest, thereby contributing to the State’s action at sea.

Maritime Operational Command and Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is part of the operational structure of the Spanish Armed Forces and is subordinate to the Chief of the Defence Staff (CHOD). At its level, it is responsible for the planning, conduct and monitoring of presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. It is commanded by the Maritime Action Commander (ALMART), Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and is headquartered in Cartagena.

Within the framework of MOM, various Spanish Navy ships carry out Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations under the operational control of the Operations Command. These operations constitute an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest, enhancing maritime domain awareness, contributing to their comprehensive protection, together with other state institutions and enabling the early detection of threats while facilitating an immediate and effective response to a potential crisis.

Together with 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, around 850 members of the Spanish Armed Forces are involved in these permanent operations, which are conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command.