Eagle Eye 24-02' Starts

• The goal is to integrate the capabilities of the Air and Space Force, the Army and the Navy into the national air defence system

Today begins in the northwest of the peninsula the activation 'Eagle Eye 24-02', led by the Air Operational Command and under operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS). The objective of the 'Eagle Eye' activation is to integrate the capabilities of the Air and Space Force, the Army and the Navy into the national air defence system. It is intended to improve efficiency in the development of presence, surveillance and deterrence operations.

Six Eurofighter C.16 from Wing 11 of ‘Morón’, Seville, will participate in a QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) mission on behalf of the Spanish Air and Space Force. With the aim of continuing their training in the work of the Air Police in national airspace, early warning services will be carried out, being able to be in the air in less than 15 minutes from the detection of an unidentified track. To carry out these actions, approximately 45 military personnel from this unit, including crew, maintenance and support personnel, will be deployed at the Santiago Military Airfield.

In turn, the Central Command and Control Group (GRUCEMAC), located at Torrejón Air Base, will be responsible for airspace surveillance. GRUCEMAC will use the data provided by the different Air Surveillance Squadrons, as well as those obtained by ground and naval forces.

The Air Operations Centre (AOC) is the command and control post during activation. From this centre, tactical control is carried out for surveillance operations, air policing and defence of national sovereign airspace.

In the case of the Spanish Army, the 'Hercules' Air Defence Unit (UDAA) will be deployed in the municipalities of 'Noya', 'Puerto del Son' and 'Mazaricos' and will provide anti-aircraft defence, complementing airspace surveillance. In this joint operation, the UDAA 'Hercules' is generated on the basis of the Anti-aircraft Artillery Command (MAAA) and led by the Anti-aircraft Artillery Group (GAAA) I/74 of 'San Roque' (Cádiz). It is composed of the HAWK, PATRIOT, MISTRAL and 35/90 cannon anti-aircraft weapon systems, the MAAA Transmissions Unit and a force protection unit (FP) from the BIMT I/67 LEGAZPI, which will involve the participation of an estimated 300 people from various units located in different parts of Spain.

The UDAA's objective is to deploy its units in the designated settlements in order to be able to complement the surveillance of the airspace through its sensors and protect the assigned area with its ground weapons systems in the event of any air threat, all integrated into the Air Defence System.  In this way, the UDAA will contribute jointly and effectively to the defence of the National Territory.

From the Navy's side, the F-101 frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán' will work in the waters of the Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with the task of integrating into the air defence system, providing surveillance and anti-aircraft defence capabilities and complementing the coverage of the Air Surveillance Squadrons and the deployed UDAA.

The frigate F-101 'Álvaro de Bazán', armed with state-of-the-art technology, is designed to carry out a wide variety of missions, from air defence to anti-submarine warfare. Its ability to integrate into joint operations and with international allied forces makes it a highly valuable asset for national defence. The frigate is armed with advanced radar and missile systems that enable it to detect and neutralise threats at long distances, ensuring effective protection of airspace.

The 'Eagle Eye 24-02' activation reflects the fundamental values of the Armed Forces: teamwork, dedication and an unconditional commitment to the defence and security of Spain. This activation not only demonstrates military capabilities, but also the commitment to peace and stability in Spanish territory.