Feb 3 2021

CAOC Torrejón Certified Spanish Eurofighters Detachment for enhanced Air Policing

TORREJÓN, Spain - The Spanish Air Force Eurofighter detachment is ready to conduct enhanced Air Policing missions in Romania. On February 2, 2021, the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) certified a 130-strong Spanish Air Force team as fully operationally ready for the mission.

“CAOC Torrejón, the Romanian Control and Reporting Centres and the Spanish detachment have shown flexibility in certifying the Spanish team for mission execution despite the pandemic. This certification is an assurance of professionalism, consistency and teamwork,” said Lieutenant General Fernando De La Cruz, Commander of NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre at Torrejón. “NATO Allies continue to stand by each other and collectively safeguard the skies of the Alliance”, he added.

NATO Allies continue to stand by each other and collectively safeguard the skies of the Alliance

“The enhanced Air Policing mission is a continuation of NATO’s defence policy aimed at deterrence through presence and transparency of its operations,” said Lieutenant Colonel José Enrique Hernández Medel, Commander of the Spanish Detachment. “Under the Tactical Control of

the CAOC at Torrejón, Spanish Eurofighters will contribute for the next two month to the surveillance and protection of Europe's southeastern border, working closely with their Romanian allies,” he added.

Enhanced Air Policing demonstrates the collective resolve of the Allies, the defensive nature of NATO and deters the threat of aggression against NATO Allies. It is a particularly flexible tool and adaptable to the fluctuations of the security situation with which the Alliance is confronted. Enhanced Air Policing sends a strong message of solidarity, efficiency and determination.

Over the last years Allied fighter detachments from Canada, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom deployed their jets to Romania in support of NATO’s Assurance Measures in the South. Spain has contributed to the enhanced Air Policing mission in the north since 2006; this is the first Spanish deployment in support of the southern region.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office based on input provided by CAOC Torrejón

On behalf of the Combined Air Operations Centre at Torrejón, the Romanian Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Daniel Petrescu, handing over the certificate to the Spanish Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel José Enrique Hernández Medel confirming the Spanish Eurofighter detachment is fully mission capable to secure the skies over Romania with their Romanian counterparts. Photo by Bogdan Pantilimon.

Representatives from Romania, Spain and the United States (deployed to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base) during the ceremony on February 2. A Spanish Eurofighter and a Romanian MiG-21 in the background symbolise the close cooperation between both Allies in support of NATO's deterrence and defence. Photo by Bogdan Pantilimon.

The Spanish Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel José Enrique Hernández Medel (left) discussing with the Romanian Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Daniel Petrescu (centre) and the Commander of teh Romanian Air Force, Major General Viorel Pana (right). Spain and Romania are ensuring the Air Policing mission collectively for the next two months showcasing Alliance cooperation and solidarity. Photo by Antonio Serrano Cabezuelo.

The team at Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón, Spain, worked closely with the Spanish detachment and the Romanian Air Force to confirm the operational tactics, techniques and procedures exist to provide enduring and effective Air Policing capabilities on NATO's south eastern flank. Photo courtesy CAOC Torrejón.