Ocean Sky 25: A Multinational Gathering in Canarian Skies
The skies above the Canary Islands are buzzing with activity as six nations and nearly a thousand personnel converge for the Ocean Sky 25 exercise. This multinational training event, hosted at Gando Air Base, brings together an impressive array of aircraft: Spanish Eurofighter Typhoons and F-18Ms, F-16s from Greece and Portugal, US F-15E Strike Eagles, and—marking a significant debut—the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighters. Sweden and Saudi Arabia are also participating as observers, making this one of Europe’s most significant aerial combat training exercises.
The Canary Islands: Europe’s Aerial Training Jewel
What makes the Canary Islands so ideal for such large-scale operations? According to Commander Jorge Rodríguez, the archipelago’s “privileged and unique” European airspace, combined with its favorable climate and low air traffic density in the southern sector—despite the islands’ airports often ranking among the busiest—transform this autonomous community into an “aerial jewel.” This exceptional environment allows for the development of massive operations like Ocean Sky 25, organized by the Combat Air Command, reinforcing Spain’s leadership in defense matters while enhancing collective European airspace defense.
Logistical Mastery and International Cooperation
Hosting such a diverse international contingent presents enormous logistical and operational challenges. As Commander Juan Bengoechea, head of the 141st Squadron of the 14th Wing, emphasizes, “Hosting so many foreign units and personnel at Gando Air Base is a tremendous logistical and operational challenge. But what matters is that each participant returns to their country better than when they arrived.” This exchange of strategies and procedures among friendly nations strengthens cooperation—an especially relevant aspect in today’s complex geopolitical context marked by rising international tensions.
The Unseen Heroes: Air Controllers at Work
While fighter aircraft dominate the skies above Gran Canaria with simulated combat and air-to-air training maneuvers, the ground-based controllers of the Alert and Control Group (Grualercon) serve as the pilots’ eyes and ears. Operating from the base, they supervise, direct, and protect each mission in real-time, ensuring millimeter-precision execution. Far from being a temporary assignment, this unit operates 365 days a year, performing essential work for both national defense and NATO, to whose air defense structure it’s fully integrated.
Massive Ground Operations Support Aerial Missions
Though the air takes center stage during Ocean Sky, ground activity is equally intensive. More than 50 temporary structures have been erected to provide logistical support for operations. As Commander Jorge Rodríguez explains, military preparation begins weeks in advance with the arrival of personnel and necessary equipment, plus the activation of all infrastructure making the exercise possible. While the Canarian skies fill with aircraft sporting an unusual gray hue for island residents, a dozen international squadrons deploy throughout the region, with several airports—including Lanzarote and Tenerife North—alternately participating in the mission.
Exercise Structure and Daily Operations
The exercise commenced with liaison and familiarization flights among foreign units before progressing to daily tactical missions. These include offensive and defensive operations, attacks on land and maritime targets, personnel recovery missions, and joint coordination exercises. Workdays extend up to 12 hours, with a clearly defined routine: mornings utilize the entire airspace designated for the exercise, while afternoons see partial restrictions to accommodate civilian traffic. These maneuvers achieve high training levels, with simulated engagements involving up to 26 aircraft against 24.
Safety and Coordination: Military and Civilian Harmony
From a technical perspective, a secure, closed internal communications network ensures information exchange among all participants. Operational safety remains paramount, with strict protocols for emergencies, rest periods, and medical care. Should an incident occur, teams can immediately halt the exercise or activate rescue procedures. Search and rescue services stand ready to evacuate and recover personnel under any circumstances.
As Commander Mourente stated, “A large-scale exercise requires, in turn, extensive planning”—a principle demonstrated throughout Ocean Sky’s development. Coordination between military and civilian spheres in the Canaries operates through activated areas called Workspace, completely delineated and segregated from civilian traffic. These zones activate even before aircraft waves arrive, with no civilian flights permitted access. Furthermore, airport traffic flow is studied months in advance, with priority time slots reserved for exercise development.
Learning from Every Mission
Following each flight, comprehensive debriefings analyze aircraft trajectories, simulated weapon use, and any potential safety incidents. “The first thing we review is whether any safety events occurred. If so, we study them thoroughly to prevent recurrence,” explained commanders. This attention to detail becomes particularly crucial given that “many aircraft, many people, and many nations are participating; the possible scenarios are innumerable.”
The conclusion is clear: “All capabilities that an aircraft can offer can be put into practice here,” affirmed the commander. However, he acknowledged the exercise isn’t without challenges, noting that “integrating different aircraft and flight doctrines in the same airspace, and operating with nations that have tactics and procedures very different from ours, always presents a challenge.” Through this complex international cooperation, the Canary Islands solidify their position as a premier host nation for Europe’s most advanced aerial training.
