The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, visited yesterday Monday the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) located at the Torrejón Air Base, a strategic center that monitors part of European airspace and ensures the security of allies.
The head of the Ministry of Defense emphasized the importance of the Spanish air forces in neutralizing threats, as evidenced recently in Romania, and reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to NATO, highlighting the need for constant preparation against new threats.
The CAOC has adapted to changes in the air defense ecosystem, where drones have emerged as a significant challenge. Their lower cost and asymmetric flight characteristics have led this type of technology to become a priority target for the training of pilots and center personnel. This team works tirelessly, 24 hours a day, to protect a wide operational radius that encompasses approximately fifteen countries.
Furthermore, during her visit, Minister Robles highlighted the importance of agility in decision-making and the reduction of response times as critical elements to face the challenges posed by drones and other emerging actors in the current defense landscape. She also thanked the work of the CAOC personnel and the international collaboration that takes place in a context characterized by volatility and the constant advancement of technology.
