The offshore patrol vessel “Centinela” is monitoring several Russian naval vessels

• As part of the Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations, the patrol boat has monitored its movements along the Galician coast

The offshore patrol vessel “Centinela” (P-72) has conducted maritime surveillance operations in areas of national interest as part of Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations.

During this mission, the “Centinela” monitored four Russian Federation Navy vessels as they passed through Spain’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Specifically, the ship tracked two military vessels that were escorting two merchant ships as they transited through maritime areas under Spanish sovereignty and of national interest.

During this operation, the patrol boat sailed under the operational control of the Operations Command and continuously reported on the status and progress of the operations to the Maritime Operations Command.

‘Centinela’ Offshore Patrol Vessel

The ‘Centinela’ (P-72) is the second vessel in the series of offshore patrol vessels that make up the Serviola class, under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Operations, who is based at the Ferrol Naval Yard.

These vessels are designed to carry out security missions, protect national maritime interests, monitor areas under Spanish sovereignty, and conduct missions to monitor and protect maritime traffic and combat marine pollution. They also carry out missions in collaboration with the State Security Forces and Corps, such as operations to combat drug trafficking and other illegal activities at sea.

Lieutenant Jesús Ferrero Peiró is in command of the ‘Centinela’.

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 (MOPS), 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, around 850 members of the Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, which are conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).