On Sunday 10 January 2016, Operation Atalanta warship ESPS Victoria and a Spanish maritime-patrol aircraft met off the Somali coast to complete a cargo air-drop.

The CASA CN-235 aircraft was tasked to supply ESPS Victoria with a spare part for her helicopter. After a first test run, the aircraft descended and closed on the frigate. Once at the correct level, it dropped the package which was immediately recovered by the ship.

Thanks to the air-drop, ESPS Victoria’s Seahawk helicopter, specially fitted to work with the frigate, remains operational. The Seahawk carries out maritime-patrol and intelligence gathering operations. It can also transport cargo and personnel, as well as carrying out medical evacuations.

Close cooperation between the two Spanish units ensured the success of the air-drop and maintains EU NAVFOR’s mission in protecting maritime security in the region.