The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during the videoconference with the contingent of the Patriot A/T XXIII Unit deployed in Türkiye
During the conversation, Robles reiterated her gratitude for their commitment to the Atlantic Alliance during this very difficult geopolitical time. "We know these are very complicated times, but as always, our Armed Forces are responding effectively and professionally to the collective defence, peace, and security of our allies," she conveyed in her conversation with the command post at the Turkish base.
To provide 24/7 defence against air systems, and contribute to international security and stability. This is the key mission of the Patriot unit, which has been operating in Turkey since 2014 and is playing a vital role in airspace defence during the conflict in the Middle East.
Currently, the unit consists of 138 military personnel who operate a Patriot missile battery and have visibility of the numerous launches of air defence systems related to both the Middle East conflict and the war in Ukraine. Robles emphasized that this is a "purely defensive" mission, highlighting the solidarity among the allies and the Armed Forces' commitment to collective defence.
Thus, their role in providing intelligence has been key to the interception of three missiles recently launched from Iran.
More than a decade of commitment
The first contingent of Operation 'A/T Support to Turkey' began its activities in late 2014 when, due to the war in Syria, NATO decided to increase the country's air defence capabilities by deploying surface-to-air missile units.
The unit's personnel come from the 71st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, whose headquarters at the 'Capitán Guiloche' barracks in Madrid were visited today by the Minister, accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Amador Enseñat.
The regiment is part of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command (MAAA), responsible for providing anti-aircraft defence to the operational units and organisations and installations of the Armed Forces, as well as to other vital points and areas determined by their strategic or operational importance. In addition to Turkey, Spain also maintains anti-aircraft defence units deployed in Latvia and Slovakia.
Non official translation