The ‘Eagle Eye 25-01’ activation begins in the Murcia region and the Alborán Sea

• The objective of ‘Eagle Eye 25-01’ is to integrate the capabilities of the Air and Space Force, Army, and Navy into Spain's national air defense system. This activation aligns with the ongoing ‘Enhanced Presence’ operation

From March 10th to 14th, the southeastern Iberian Peninsula will host the activation of 'Eagle Eye 25-01', led by the Air Operations Command (MDOA in Spanish) and under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command (MOPS in Spanish). The goal of 'Eagle Eye' is to integrate the capabilities of the Air and Space Force, Army, and Navy into the national air defense system, enhancing the efficiency of operations focused on Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence (OPVD).

This activation will align with other operational activities carried out by various Operational Commands; all aimed at ensuring 'Enhanced Presence' in areas of national interest, with a focus on presence, surveillance, and deterrence operations.

The Air and Space Army will deploy six Eurofighter C.16 aircraft from Wing 11 (Morón de la Frontera, Sevilla) for QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) mission. Early warning operations will be conducted to maintain training in Air Policing within national airspace, with the capability to be airborne within 15 minutes of detecting an unidentified track. To carry out these tasks, approximately 80 personnel from this unit, including aircrews, maintenance, and support staff, will deploy to San Javier Air Base.

The Central Command and Control Group (GRUCEMAC in Spanish), based at Torrejón Air Base, will oversee airspace surveillance. For this purpose, GRUCEMAC will rely on data from various Air Surveillance Squadrons, along with information gathered from land and naval platforms.

The Air Operations Center (AOC) will serve as the command and control center during the activation, overseeing tactical control of surveillance, air policing, and the defense of national airspace sovereignty

Participation of the Army:

The III-73 Anti-Aircraft Defense Unit (UDAA in Spanish) will deploy around Cartagena and Los Alcázares to provide air defense while complementing airspace surveillance. This joint operation involves the ‘Cancerbero’ UDAA, formed under the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command and led by the III/73 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group (Marines-Valencia).

The unit is equipped with HAWK, PATRIOT, MISTRAL, and 35/90 cannon air defense systems, the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command's Communications Unit, and a force protection (FP) unit from BIPAC III/5 'Ortiz de Zarate' (Jabalí Nuevo-Murcia), involving approximately 250 personnel from various units across Spain.

The UDAA's objective is to deploy its units to designated locations, complement airspace surveillance through their sensors, and protect assigned areas with land-based weapon systems against any airborne threats, all integrated into the Air Defense System (SDA). This will allow the UDAA to contribute effectively and jointly to the defense of national airspace.

Participation of the Navy:

The F-102 ‘Almirante Juan de Borbón’ frigate will operate in the Mediterranean Sea, integrating into the air defense system, contributing surveillance and anti-air defense capabilities, and complementing the coverage of the Air Surveillance Squadrons and the deployed UDAA.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the F-102 frigate is designed for a wide range of missions, from air defense to anti-submarine warfare. Its ability to integrate seamlessly into joint operations and with allied international forces makes it a high-value asset for national defense. The frigate is equipped with advanced radar and missile systems that enable it to detect and neutralize threats at extended ranges, ensuring effective airspace protection.

Within the framework of 'Enhanced Presence,' the collaboration of AV8-B aircraft embarked aboard the 'Juan Carlos I' aircraft carrier is expected, as it participates in the deployment of the 'DEDALO 25' Expeditionary Battle Group.

The ‘Eagle Eye 25-01’ activation reflects the core values of the Armed Forces: teamwork, dedication, and an unshakeable commitment to the defense and security of Spain.

The Cyberspace Operational Command (COC)

The Cyberspace Operational Command (MOC) ensures the operational freedom of the Armed Forces in the networks and also acts as a permanent information gathering sensor in cyberspace. Its responsibility is to monitor the networks on a permanent basis, to ensure that the combat systems of the different platforms talk to each other, or the Command and Control system performs its duties efficiently. MOC members are tasked with stopping any cyber threats that attempt to breach these systems and affect operations.

The 'Eagle Eye 25-01' activation reflects the core values of the Armed Forces: teamwork, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the defense and security of Spain. Translated with DeepL.com (free version).