Spanish Navy frigates begin NATO deployment

The Spanish Navy has launched a naval deployment involving the frigates Navarra (F-85) and Cristóbal Colón (F-105). Departing from the Gulf of Cádiz on September 26, the deployment is scheduled to continue until November 2.

The mission will take the vessels through the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. During this period, the units will integrate into the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2) and participate in NATO’s Neptune Strike 26.4 (NEST 26.4) exercise to enhance interoperability with allied navies, including those of Italy and Greece.

Additional objectives include surveillance and deterrence operations in the Alboran Sea and support activities for Operation Sea Guardian. The deployment, commanded by Captain Rafael Mira Calvo of the 41st Escort Squadron, will include scheduled stops in Naples, Italy, and Split, Croatia, to facilitate defense diplomacy and strengthen allied relations.