The first time Spain displays combat airplanes in Iceland

In a context marked by the War in Ukraine and Moscow’s growing aggressiveness in airspace of the North Atlantictogether with the progressive militarization of their Strategic routesSpain has first assumed the most active role in the defense of NATO’s northern flank.

A historical step. Yeah, for the first time In its history, Spain has deployed combat planes in the nation of northern Europe as part of the NATO Air Police Mission. The operation, baptized as Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) Stinga (“Sting” in Icelandic), represents a milestone for the Army of the Air and Space (EA), which until now had concentrated its participation in the east flank of the Atlantic Alliance, especially in the Baltic countries.

With this movement, the Spanish government intends to demonstrate Your commitment With all NATO defense scenarios, including the Arctic strategic, which gains relevance to the growing military activity Russian in the North Atlantic.

Keflavik: The new Spanish advanced position. The detachment will operate from the Keflavik air basesouth of Iceland, considered a critical installation for its location in the North Atlantic, key to the control of intercontinental air traffic and for the routes between North America and Europe.

Iceland, country No Air Force Own, trust Rotations of NATO allies to guarantee the integrity of their airspace. To the 44 aviators They arrived as advanced to prepare the operation, will add up to 122 Spanish military (among pilots, maintenance technicians, specialists in armament, logistics and security personnel), responsible for operating six F-18 fighters They arrived on July 22.

The mission will officially begin on the 28th and will run until mid -August.

Permanent alert in the north sky. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Ichaso Franco, the Stinga detachment will be in fast reaction alert (QRA), or in other words, will be prepared to Intercept any aircraft That violates the standards of allied airspace, whether flying without a flight plan, without radio contact or with the transposeor off, a usual practice in air intimidation maneuvers by Russia.

This is precisely the reason why NATO launched in 2014 (After the Crimea Russian Annexation) a series of air surveillance deployments that have been expanding their territorial presence throughout Europe.

“Hostile” training. Plus: Unlike other air police missions already carried out in Estonia, Lithuania or Romania, Iceland presents different operational challenges. Not only because of latitude and weather conditions, but by lack of previous experience of the Spanish army in that theater.

That is precisely the reason why, according to The world pointedan intense preparation in simulatorsrecreating specific scenarios for the Arctic environment. In addition, training flights in the region have been scheduled to consolidate the operational capacities of the pilots and maintain the full operation of the F-18.

Beyond a gesture. Although the duration of the mission will be rather brief, its political and strategic value is significant. Spain thus reinforces its image of Reliable and willing ally To participate in the distribution of responsibilities within the Atlantic Alliance, aligning with the priorities of Moscow deterrence On all fronts, including the least visible so far for Spanish public opinion.

By projecting strength in the north, the Spanish nation also contributes to the defensive architecture that extends from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle, at a time when NATO Redfine Its military borders before a Kremlin every time more aggressive. Operation Stinga thus not only a punctual deployment, but the beginning of A new phase in the outer projection of the Spanish armed forces.

Image | Ministry of Defense of Spain

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