Rota Naval Base, Spain – The Spanish frigate “Numancia” has returned to its home base in Rota after a successful five-month deployment in the Indian Ocean, part of the EU-led Operation Atalanta. The mission aimed to enhance maritime security and counter piracy threats off the coast of Somalia.
During its deployment, the “Numancia” undertook crucial surveillance and maritime security tasks, significantly increasing awareness in a strategically important area. The Spanish Ministry of Defense highlighted the frigate’s use of advanced defense systems, specifically developed to address emerging unmanned aerial threats that have recently become a challenge in the region.
Sailing an impressive 26,000 nautical miles (29,920 miles or 48,152 kilometers) over 152 days, the “Numancia” crew collaborated seamlessly with various military and intelligence units, as well as a medical support team, to ensure the mission’s objectives were met effectively.
Operation Atalanta, initiated in 2008, focuses on protecting UN World Food Program aid shipments and preventing illegal activities in the Horn of Africa. The mission is supported by personnel and equipment from EU member states, with individual countries covering most costs along with a shared budget set at 6.3 million euros ($6.8 million) this year.
Since its inception, Operation Atalanta has facilitated the delivery of over 3.3 million tons of aid and has succeeded in seizing nearly 16 tons of narcotics, reinforcing its commitment to maritime security and humanitarian assistance in the region.
