The frigates ‘Navarra’ and ‘Cristóbal Colón’ are deployed in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean

• These vessels will take part in allied missions, carry out surveillance and deterrence activities, engage in defence diplomacy and provide support to the national defence industry

The frigates ‘Navarra’ (F-85) and ‘Cristóbal Colón’ (F-105) are embarking on a new deployment as part of Spain’s international commitments, thereby strengthening its presence, surveillance and deterrence in maritime areas of national interest. For one month, they will carry out surveillance operations in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as engaging in defence diplomacy and providing support to the national defence industry.

On board the frigate ‘Navarra’, the Commander of the Navy’s 41st Escort Squadron, Commander Rafael Mira Calvo, together with his staff, will assume command of this naval group. The joint participation of the ‘Navarra’ and the ‘Cristóbal Colón’ will enable the complementary capabilities of both vessels to be utilised and will enhance training amongst the Navy’s escort vessels.

Whilst sailing in the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish frigates will carry out operations with allied navies, including those of Italy and Greece, and will join NATO Standing Naval Task Group 2 (SNMG-2). They will subsequently take part in the ‘Neptune Strike 26.4’ (NEST 26.4) exercise, during which they will enhance their readiness to operate in a combined manner in a variety of naval scenarios alongside allied naval forces.

This deployment will include presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in the Strait of Gibraltar, the Gulf of Cádiz and the Alboran Sea, as well as support activities associated with Operation Sea Guardian. These actions contribute to maritime situational awareness, naval presence and security in areas of interest to Spain and its allies.

During the deployment, the frigates will make port calls in Naples (Italy) and Split (Croatia), which will provide a framework for defence diplomacy activities and for strengthening relations with allied countries. The deployment also includes measures to support the domestic industry, promoting the international profile of Spain’s naval and defence capabilities.

Cooperation with allied forces operating in the Mediterranean Sea will make a decisive contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between allied countries within NATO, as well as to enhancing interoperability between the various naval forces, with the aim of ensuring freedom of maritime traffic in the region.