The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ completes its surveillance and deterrence mission in the south of the Iberian Peninsula

• The patrol vessel’s activities have focused on protecting maritime areas of national interest by monitoring potential illicit activities

The Royal Navy’s patrol vessel ‘Medas’ has concluded a Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence (PSD) operation in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea.

The patrol vessel’s activities have focused on protecting maritime areas of national interest through strategic active surveillance, monitoring potential illicit activities, detecting vessels of interest, enhancing knowledge of the maritime environment, and contributing to maritime security in coordination with other state institutions.

During the operation, the ‘Medas’ collaborated on land with the Army’s 4th Coastal Artillery Regiment (RACTA-4) and maintained a constant flow of information with the Alboran Naval Detachment. This coordination not only secures the borders but also supports the ecological preservation of the island and the protection of the Natura 2000 network.

During its deployment, the vessel operated as part of the Maritime Operational Command (MOM), under the strict operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

The PVZ ‘MEDAS’

The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ is part of the Maritime Action Force (FAM) which, within the Fleet, comprises all units whose main task is to prepare to protect national maritime interests and control maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest. Taking a comprehensive approach, they ensure ongoing cooperation with the various government bodies with responsibilities in the maritime sphere, contributing to the State’s action at sea.

Maritime Operational Command and the OPVDs

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the body within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Spanish Chief of Defence (JEMAD), 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 Offshore Patrol 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.

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