The Armed Forces are working alongside the State Security Forces in the fight against drug trafficking

•  Joint Force assets are carrying out maritime surveillance operations that help to ensure the safety of the Spanish people

As part of the permanent Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), the Spanish Armed Forces have carried out enhanced surveillance activities, in which Joint Force assets have participated cooperatively alongside those of the Ministry of the Interior and other agencies.

Under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS), the deployed force was led by the Maritime Operations Command (MOM) and supported by the other Operational Commands (land, air, space and cyberspace), as well as by capabilities from the Armed Forces Intelligence Centre (CIFAS). This operational activity forms part of the surveillance and defence of the national territory that the military carries out continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to contribute effectively to the security and defence of Spain and the Spanish people.

The Armed Forces’ participation in this operation highlights the value of maritime surveillance as an essential tool in the fight against drug trafficking. Specifically, the MOM General Staff, from its Headquarters in Cartagena, has led the command and control of the operation, directing activities in the maritime domain. A Royal Navy frigate took part, supported for this operation by an On-Board Air Unit comprising a helicopter and a Marine Corps Security Operations Team, an Offshore Patrol Vessel carrying a “Scan Eagle” unmanned aerial system, and also a Multi-Purpose Vessel with another Marine Corps Security Operations Team on board.

For its part, the Air Operations Command (MOA) participated by managing the airspace and aerial assets, in this case a D-4 aircraft operating from Gando Air Base, which provided aerial coverage and search capabilities. Likewise, ground assets, integrated into the MOT, have supported the objectives of the surveillance operation, ready to reinforce presence and surveillance activities at strategic points across the Canary Islands, with the participation of helicopters from the Army’s Airborne Forces (FAMET).

The success of this operation lies in the excellent operational coordination between the Operations Command of the Defence Staff and the Guardia Civil Operations Command; and, particularly during the execution of the operations, the excellent coordination between the MOM, through its Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Centre (COVAM), and the Guardia Civil’s Maritime, Coastal and Border Surveillance Coordination Centre (CECORVIGMAR), which has ensured the efficient deployment of resources from the Armed Forces and the State Security Forces.

Permanent Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of areas of sovereignty and interest, enabling greater awareness of the maritime environment, contributing to its comprehensive protection — alongside other State institutions — and also detecting threats in advance and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

OPVDs form the backbone of security in peacetime. Operating in a multi-domain environment (land, sea, air, cyberspace and special operations), these missions ensure constant readiness in the face of any threat. The objective is clear: that the Spanish people can feel safe, knowing that their sovereign territories are protected around the clock.

Las OPVD son la columna vertebral de la seguridad en tiempo de paz. Operando en un entorno multidominio (terrestre, marítimo, aeroespacial, ciberespacial y de operaciones especiales), estas misiones aseguran una disponibilidad permanente ante cualquier amenaza. El objetivo es claro, que los españoles puedan sentirse seguros, sabiendo que sus espacios de soberanía están protegidos sin descanso.