A Coastal Artillery Defence Unit is bolstering maritime surveillance in the Bay of Cádiz

During the operation, it contributes to our understanding of the maritime environment through real-time surveillance, traffic control, and early detection and warning

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM), as part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), has this week deployed a Coastal Artillery Defence Unit (UDACTA) in the Bay of Cádiz.

Specifically, the operation involves organic compounds from the 4th Coastal Artillery Regiment (RACTA 4), which forms part of the Field Artillery Command (MACA), as well as a Military Protection Unit from the 11th ‘Extremadura’ Brigade, which is responsible for contributing to the security and protection of the entire force.

UDACTA’s mission is to contribute to our understanding of the maritime environment through real-time surveillance, traffic control, and the detection and early warning of vessels that may be exhibiting suspicious behaviour that poses a threat to safety.

The integration of UDACTA into the Maritime Operational Command, under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS), highlights the joint nature of the Armed Forces’ permanent operations. Coordination between the land-based capabilities, provided by the Coastal Artillery, and the operational structure responsible for monitoring maritime areas helps to improve situational awareness and strengthen early detection capabilities in the face of potential threats or situations of interest.

Maritime Operations Command and the OPVDs

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is a body within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, reporting to the Chief of the Defence (JEMAD), and is responsible, at its level, for the planning, conduct and monitoring of operations relating to presence, surveillance and deterrence in maritime areas under national sovereignty, responsibility and 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 a better 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 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 members of the Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, which are conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command.