The frigate ‘Reina Sofía’ tracks a Russian submarine in waters of national interest

•  With its forces on permanent standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Armed Forces ensure their ongoing contribution to national security and the monitoring of activity in our strategic environment

 The frigate ‘Reina Sofía’ has been monitoring two Russian Navy vessels – a submarine and an auxiliary vessel – during their transit through waters of national interest.

This operation forms part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD in Spanish) that the Armed Forces carry out on a permanent basis to monitor maritime areas of national interest. These operations are essential for maintaining comprehensive situational awareness of the maritime environment, enabling the early detection of potential threats and ensuring an immediate response to any crisis, thereby safeguarding the security and freedom of navigation.

The ‘Reina Sofía’ maintained constant monitoring of both vessels until they left waters of Spanish interest and entered waters under Portuguese jurisdiction. The tracking of foreign vessels is a routine activity of the Armed Forces, which maintain a continuous presence at sea to reinforce surveillance in sensitive areas and safeguard national law and sovereignty, always in strict compliance with international law.

Through the effectiveness and commitment of the frigate ‘Reina Sofía’, the Armed Forces reaffirm their mission to guarantee the defence of Spain, the safety and well-being of its citizens, and the protection of its legitimate strategic interests wherever necessary.

Maritime Operational Command and the OPVDs

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish) is the body within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (JEMAD in Spanish), responsible, at its level, for the planning, conduct and monitoring of 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 Operations (ALMART), Vice-Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and is headquartered in Cartagena.

As part of the MOM, various Navy vessels carry out, under the operational control of the Operations Command, Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), which are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of areas of sovereignty and interest. This enables an increased understanding of the maritime environment, contributes to its comprehensive protection — alongside other state institutions — and also allows for the early detection of threats and facilitates an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

Alongside the Operations Command (MOM), the Land Operations Command (MOT), Air Operations Command (MOA), Space Operations Command (MOESPA) and Cyber Operations Command (MOC) make up the structure of the Permanent Commands. On a daily basis, around 850 military personnel from the Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, which are conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command.