Turkish ambassador visits the Combined Air Operations Center Torrejón on the occasion of Turkey's National Day

• CAOCT Commander thanked the Turkish Ambassador for Turkey's contribution to NATO's permanent air surveillance mission.

Turkey's ambassador to Spain, Burak Akçapar, who was accompanied by the defense attaché, Navy Captain İlhan Sayici, visited this morning the NATO Combined Air Operations Center in Spain (CAOCT), based in Torrejón (Madrid).

Upon arrival at the CAOCT, the Turkish delegation was received by the Commander-in-Chief of the Unit, Lieutenant General Fernando de la Cruz. After a brief working meeting, the Turkish delegation participated in the military ceremony held in commemoration of Turkey's National Day, during which the traditional raising of the Turkish flag took place.

General De la Cruz, in his speech, thanked the Turkish delegation for their presence and for Turkey's contribution to the permanent air surveillance mission led by the CAOCT to reinforce airspace security on the Alliance's southern flank.

The Turkish ambassador thanked the CAOCT and its Commander-in-Chief for the daily work carried out for the benefit of the Alliance's security and interests, highlighting security as a fundamental element for the well-being of European citizens in the face of current challenges.

Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón (NATO)

The main purpose of CAOC Torrejón, commanded by a Spanish Air Force Lieutenant General, is to plan, direct, coordinate, supervise, analyse and report on air defence operations in southern Europe, following the directives of NATO air component command with the means assigned by the nations to NATO in peacetime.

The Spanish Armed Forces are making an important contribution to the mission conducted by this facility. Roughly 120 military personnel are assigned to the CAOC itself, as well as to the National Support Element (NSE) and the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).