'Eagle Eye 24-03' activation begins in the Canary Islands

•  The Eagle Eye, which will be activated between October 28 and 31, aims at integrating the capabilities of the Air and Space Force, the Army and the Navy into the national air defence system.

The Operational Air Command (MOA) is activating ‘Eagle Eye 24-03’ in the Canary Islands on Monday, 28 October. The objective of this activation, which ends on 31 October, is to integrate the capabilities of the Air and Space Force, the Army and the Navy into the national air defence system in order to improve the efficiency of presence, surveillance and deterrence operations.

From the Air and Space Force, six F-18s from the 15th Wing of the Zaragoza air base will participate in a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission to perform early warning services in order to continue training in the work of the Air Police. These services consist on being in the air in less than 15 minutes from the detection of an unidentified tracking. To carry out these functions, approximately 45 military personnel from this unit, including crews and maintenance and support personnel, will be deployed at the Gando air base in 'Las Palmas de Gran Canaria'.

Meanwhile, the Alert and Control Group (GRUALERCON), also located at the Gando air base, will be responsible for airspace surveillance. This will be done using the data provided by the different Air Surveillance Squadrons, as well as those obtained by ground and maritime resources.

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 Telde and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 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, in Cadiz. It will be made up of the HAWK, NASAMS, MISTRAL and 35/90 anti-aircraft weapon systems; the MAAA Transmissions Unit; and a BRICA XVI force protection unit, which will involve around 300 people from different units located in different parts of Spain.

The objective of the UDAA is to deploy its units in the designated settlements, with the aim of being 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 (SDA).  In this way, the UDAA will contribute jointly and effectively to the defence of the National Territory.

From the Navy's side, the F-103 frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’ will operate in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, south of the Canary Islands, with the task of being integrated into the air defence system, providing surveillance and anti-aircraft defence capabilities.

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

On this occasion, the ‘Eagle Eye 24-03’ activation matches in time and space with ‘Sirius 24’, planned and executed by the Air and Space Force, with the aim of establishing synergies, improving crew training and optimising the use of resources.

The activation ‘Eagle Eye 24-03’ by the MOA, and under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command (MOPS), reflects the fundamental values of the Armed Forces: teamwork, dedication and an unwavering 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.