F-18 Jets to conduct joint military exercises in the Canary Islands
Six F-18 fighter jets from the Spanish Air Force will be deployed to the Canary Islands next week as part of Eagle Eye 25-03, a major military exercise designed to strengthen integration with the Army and Navy in national air defence, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence on Friday.
The manoeuvres, directed by the Air Operations Command, will take place from 15th to 21st September, coinciding with another large-scale military drill known as Sinergia 25. Together, they aim to reinforce coordinated operations for the protection of Spain’s national airspace.
In this third edition of Eagle Eye in 2025, the Air Force will mobilise six F-18s from Wing 12, based in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid). The detachment, which includes 60 personnel between flight crews, maintenance, and support staff, will be temporarily stationed at Gando Air Base in Gran Canaria.
These crews are assigned to “Quick Reaction Alert” missions, ensuring jets can be airborne in less than 15 minutes when responding to unidentified aerial activity.
On land, the Army will deploy the Air Defence Unit III-73, positioned around Gando to bolster surveillance of Canary Islands airspace. Their systems include Hawk, Patriot, and Mistral missiles, as well as 35/90 anti-aircraft guns.
The Navy will participate with the frigate F-105 Cristóbal Colón, sailing in the Atlantic as part of the integrated air defence system. The state-of-the-art vessel brings advanced surveillance and anti-air capabilities, supporting missions that range from air defence to anti-submarine warfare.
Commander Miguel Jiménez Barragán of Wing 12 said: “The whole unit faces this challenge with enthusiasm and ambition, fully committed to guaranteeing Spain’s security and air defence. It is a great opportunity to integrate F-18s with land and naval forces in the Canary Islands.”
Captain Gabriel Pita da Veiga Subirats, commanding officer of the Cristóbal Colón, added: “Eagle Eye allows us to improve interoperability with the other branches of the Armed Forces, building greater trust and readiness to respond together to any demanding situation.”
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