A Spanish Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) detachment has been deployed to Djibouti from its military air base in Spain since December 2008 as part of Spain’s contribution to the European Union’s efforts to deter and disrupt acts of piracy against merchant ships and seafarers.

As part of their patrol preparations, the Spanish aircrew go through meticulous planning for every flight to ensure the safety of the crew and the aircraft.  This invaluable air asset makes a significant contribution to Operation Atalanta by providing the Force Commander with aerial surveillance and imagery of the piracy high-risk areas in what are the economically strategic waters of the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.