The Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Meteoro’ ensures maritime safety in the waters of the Canary Islands

The vessel has sailed 1,356 nautical miles and identified more than 100 vessels as part of its Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence operations

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Meteoro’ has carried out a Maritime Security Operation in the waters of the Canary Islands, under the tactical command of the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and the operational command of the Operations Command (MOPS).

As part of Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence (PSD) operations, the mission consisted of enhancing situational awareness of the maritime environment, maintaining a presence and deterrence, and being prepared to act in waters of national interest in the event of any crisis. During the deployment, patrols were conducted in both territorial waters and the European Economic Zone (EEZ) extending from the Canary Islands.

Furthermore, during the six days of the deployment, the vessel monitored various special areas of conservation and marine sites within the Natura 2000 Network (a European ecological network of biodiversity conservation areas), with the aim of contributing to the protection of living resources in the Spanish EEZ and the preservation of areas of high environmental sensitivity.

Once docked at the Las Palmas Arsenal, the OPV ‘Meteoro’ concluded its mission, having sailed 1,356 nautical miles and identified more than 100 vessels. The commander, Lieutenant Commander Alejandro Fraga Pardo de Guevara, stated that “during this operation, the focus was on defending the interests of our fishermen in waters of national interest”.

The OPV ‘Meteoro’ 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 areas of sovereignty and national interest.

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 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 Navy 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.