Underlines the importance in the conflict of the use of unpiloted aircraft, drones and satellites
MADRID, 3 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Defense Minister Margarita Robles reiterated this Tuesday that the war in Ukraine has allowed Spaniards to understand that they must work for peace and security, as well as that Spain is seen abroad as a “serious country and reliable”.
Robles has visited the facilities of the Aerospace Surveillance and Control System Headquarters (JSVICA) at the Torrejón de Ardoz air base, the department responsible for air and outer space that currently has its systems immersed in a process of modernization and adaptation to new technologies.
He has highlighted the “pride and example” that they give with “their dedication and commitment, in Spain and in the missions”, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as reported by the Ministry.
On her first visit in 2023, the Minister of Defense was at the JSVICA to congratulate them on the New Year and at the same time have a videoconference with the different air and extraterrestrial observation and control posts throughout the country.
This system integrates a network of radars, communication equipment and 23 command and control units that depend on the Air Combat Command, directed by Lieutenant General Francisco González-Espresati, who has received the minister accompanied by Brigadier General Fernando Carrillo , head of SVICA, and the deputy head of the Torrejón Air Base, Colonel Javier Martínez Rodríguez.
Robles has spoken with the different units connected by videoconference to also congratulate them on the upcoming Military Easter and discuss with them the different aspects of their missions.
The minister has also chatted with the staff of the room of the Central Command and Control Group (GRUCEMAC). And she has highlighted the importance of the Air and Space Army, and the use of unmanned aircraft, drones and satellites in the war in Ukraine.
In addition, he was able to talk with one of the pilots of Wing 14, who was in the air at the time and to whom the minister wished him a happy new year and that he enjoy the aerial views.
Among the units within the JSVICA are the Air Surveillance Squadrons (EVAs), in charge of obtaining, processing and transmitting radar data for its subsequent use by command and control; the Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA), responsible for deploying and operating command and control and communications means and capabilities, which currently maintains an air surveillance radar in Romania as part of the Reinforced Air Police (eAP) operation, in its English acronym) of NATO.
And it has the recently created Space Surveillance Operations Center (COVE), which is responsible for space situational awareness, which, according to forecasts, will reach its final operational capacity in the next two or three years.
“All my admiration for the great work of surveillance and aerospace control that is carried out here”, Robles has transferred, who in the book of honor has thanked them for their “effort” to allow and make “great the work of the Air Force and the Espacio, being a source of pride for Spain and internationally” with the allies.
SVICA is immersed in a process of modernization and adaptation to new technologies that affects all its equipment and systems, with which the necessary adaptation to interoperability standards, both NATO and national, will be achieved.
