The minehunters ‘Turia’ and ‘Duero’ are monitoring underwater infrastructure in the Alboran Sea

• The main objective of this operation is to protect the infrastructure running along the seabed that provides services and energy to Spanish citizens

The Royal Navy mineshunter ‘Turia’ and ‘Duero’, an operational diving team from the Navy Diving Centre (CBA) and an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) team from the Counter-Mines Force are currently carrying out a surveillance mission on subsea infrastructure as part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations in the Alboran Sea.

Upon setting sail, these units met with the media gathered in the town of Málaga, demonstrating the capabilities, equipment and training with which they are undertaking this operation, which is focused on protecting infrastructure running along the seabed and providing services and energy to Spanish citizens.

Following the visit, the vessels began their patrol in the waters of the Alboran Sea. The unique capabilities of the minesweepers, autonomous vehicles and divers enable maritime surveillance of the underwater environment and essential infrastructure. In this way, the units of the Spanish Armed Forces contribute to the comprehensive security of Spanish citizens and ensure the functioning of the services associated with these underwater facilities.

This operation falls within the scope of Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) and is under the operational control of the Commander of Operations Command (MOPS), with the units integrated into the Maritime Operational Command.

Maritime Operational Command and OPVD

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is a 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 presence, surveillance and deterrence operations 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.

Integrated into 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 national 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) form 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.