Purpose of the mission

Minehunter ‘Tajo’ to integrate into the SNMCMG-2

The Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group number 2 (SNMCMG-2) provides NATO with a permanent operational Mine Countermeasures (MCM) capability. Its main mission is to help keep NATO's main ports, naval bases and sea lines of communication open to maritime traffic, as well as to enable amphibious operations to project naval power over land by detecting, locating, identifying and neutralizing mines. Spain will take command of this permanent group in the second half of this year.

During the period in which the ship will be integrated into this NATO structure, under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS in its Spanish initials), the ‘Tajo’ will have the mission of guaranteeing the freedom of action and navigation, by hunting for mines or explosive devices, and surveilling the seabed at the entrance of some ports of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The MCM Group will also be ready to react in case of crisis in those scenarios that require its presence.

During this specific deployment, the ‘Tajo’ will also participate in support of other NATO operations like ‘Sea Guardian’, which contributes to the enhance the awareness of the maritime domain in the Mediterranean Sea, offering protection against potential threats to shipping.

The ship is scheduled to participate in the multinational exercises POSEIDON in the Black Sea, ARIADNE in Greece and ITALIAN MINEX in Italy. On her return to Spain she will participate in the multinational Spanish Navy-led exercise SPANISH MINEX, in waters of the Balearic archipelago.