The Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Meteoro’ starts a deployment in the Gulf of Guinea and West African coast.
Wednesday, September 04, 2024
The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Meteoro’ set sail on September 2 from her base in Las Palmas (Canary Islands) to deploy in the west coast of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
Stability in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea is fundamental for Spain's security. Piracy and acts of robbery at sea pose a significant risk to the national fishing and maritime community operating in the region where, in addition, multiple illicit activities proliferate, resulting in multiple threats to our country.
Instability in this region, which is a source of important energy resources, endangers the free use of the sea lines of communication that are essential for Spain.
The mission is also intended to foster collaboration, cooperation and reinforcement of the Spanish presence in the region, for the benefit of national interests in the African region. The scheduled activities include support, training and enhancement of maritime security of regional countries.
An AIRFOX drone (UAV) has been embarked to support and assist in surveillance and security tasks.
Deployment in the West African coast and the Gulf of Guinea
During the CMP-GoG (Coordinated Maritime Presence - Gulf of Guinea) deployment, the ship will carry out maritime surveillance and environmental awareness activities on a permanent basis, thus contributing to increased maritime security in the region. Also scheduled are different military cooperation activities with coastal nations, encouraging mutual knowledge and trust, helping to increase their capabilities in maritime security areas.
The OPV ‘Meteoro' will also support the Spanish diplomatic delegations in the region, with the purpose of contributing to the State's action abroad and reinforcing national interests in the region. The ship, which is part of the Maritime Action Force, will be integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM), based in Cartagena, and will be under operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).