The ‘Eagle Eye 26-03’ exercise begins at Málaga Air Base and in the Alboran Sea

• This operation brings together capabilities from the Air and Space Force, the Army and the Navy, as part of Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

From today, Monday 21st, until Friday, the ‘Eagle Eye 26-03’ exercise will take place in the southern part of the peninsula and the waters of the Alboran Sea, led by the Air Operations Command and under the operational control of the Operations Command. The aim of the ‘Eagle Eye’ exercise is to integrate the capabilities of the Air and Space Force, the Army and the Navy into the national air defence system, with the aim of improving efficiency in the conduct of Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD).

This deployment reflects the fundamental values of the Armed Forces: teamwork, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the defence and security of Spain. This deployment not only demonstrates Spain’s military capabilities, but also its commitment to peace and stability within Spanish territory.

This commitment is reflected in the 24-hour surveillance, every day of the year, of our national territory, our sovereign borders, our territorial waters, our national airspace, our contiguous outer space and cyberspace, which ensures the safeguarding of our nation’s sovereignty, and extends to the effective control of airspace and the activities taking place within it.

Joint efficiency in the conduct of Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Representing the Air and Space Force, six F-18s from 15th Wing, based at Zaragoza Air Base, will take part; they will be deployed to Málaga Air Base on a QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) mission. These alert services, which ensure the ability to be airborne within 15 minutes of detecting an unidentified target, will strengthen surveillance and enhance the training of military personnel in air policing duties within national airspace.

Meanwhile, the Central Command and Control Group (GRUCEMAC), based at Torrejón Air Base, will be responsible for monitoring the airspace. To this end, GRUCEMAC will use data provided by the various Air Surveillance Squadrons (EVA), as well as data obtained by ground-based and naval assets. Due to their location, EVA 3 (Constantina, Seville), EVA 9 (Motril, Granada) and EVA 11 (Alcalá de los Gazules, Cádiz) will be directly involved in this activation.

The command and control centre during the activation is the Air Operations Centre (AOC), located at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base. Tactical control for surveillance, air policing and the defence of national airspace will be carried out from this centre. Furthermore, the coordination and tactical control provided by the Seville Air Control Squadron will be essential to achieving the mission’s objectives.

In the case of the Army, the II-73 Air Defence Unit (UDAA) will be deployed in the vicinity of Málaga Air Base and the port of Málaga, and will provide air defence, complementing airspace surveillance. In this joint operation, the UDAA “Carthago” has been formed under the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command (MAAA) and is led by the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group (GAAA) II/73 (Cartagena-Murcia).

On behalf of the Navy, the frigate “Méndez Núñez” (F-104) will sail in the waters of the Alboran Sea with the aim of integrating into the air defence system, providing surveillance and anti-aircraft defence capabilities and complementing the coverage provided by the Air Surveillance Squadrons and the deployed UDAA.

Fitted with state-of-the-art technology, the “Méndez Núñez” is designed to carry out a wide variety of missions, ranging 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. This frigate is fitted with advanced radar and missile systems that enable it to detect and neutralise threats at long ranges, ensuring the effective protection of airspace.