Spain’s Air and Space Force will carry out missile and weapons exercises over the Gulf of Cadiz next week, it has been confirmed.
The exercises form part of a major training operation involving fighter jets and anti-drone missions.
Exercise Atlante 26, which runs from September 13 to 18, will see combat units practise advanced operations using live air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.
The drills will also include C-UAS (counter-unmanned aircraft system) missions designed to identify, track and neutralise drones.
The main operating HQ will be Moron Air Base in Sevilla, while the live-fire exercises will take place in designated areas of the Gulf of Cadiz.
Semi-autonomous aerial and maritime targets controlled from the El Arenosillo Experimentation Centre (CEDEA) will be used during the exercises.
Fighter jets, missiles and naval targets
According to Spain’s Air and Space Force, personnel and equipment from Wings 11, 12, 14, 15, 46 and 48 will participate alongside the Parachute Sapper Squadron (EZAPAC) and command and support units.
Operations will be directed from Moron and CEDEA, which will coordinate the participating units and other air-control bodies.
The exercise begins on Sunday, September 13, when personnel will assemble at Moron for operational and safety briefings.
The live phase will then run from September 14 to 18, with different training periods allowing the military to alternate between several types of exercise.
These will include air-to-air cannon fire against drone-towed targets, air-to-air missile launches and air-to-surface missiles fired against naval targets.
Spanish forces will also carry out the counter-drone missions before units begin their staggered withdrawal on Friday, September 18.
Warning issued to vessels
Defence officials said specific safety procedures and conditions have been established for each type of live-fire exercise, including circumstances in which manoeuvres can be authorised or halted.
The operation is also being coordinated with affected air traffic control authorities.
A maritime safety area will be established in the Gulf of Cadiz during the exercises, with its activation periods communicated in advance through an official Notice to Mariners (AVURNAVE).
The Air and Space Force said Atlante 26 was intended to maintain the readiness of its units and develop advanced operational capabilities as military forces face increasingly complex scenarios.
