The skies over the Canary Islands are once again the scene of an elaborate simulated aerial combat as the Spanish Air Force commences its most challenging military exercise, SIRIO 2024. The exercise, which is being conducted south of the Canary Islands over the Atlantic, aims to assess and enhance the operational capabilities of the forces deployed in the region.
The Canary Islands Air Command (Mando Aéreo de Canarias) reported that over 1,500 aviators from various wings and units, including Ala 11, Ala 12, Ala 14, Ala 15, and Ala 46, are participating. These forces are joined by members of the Spanish Army, Navy, and Portugal's Air Force 201/301 Fighter Squadron, which is flying F-16M jets.
SIRIO 2024 is a fictional conflict between two nations, Feroxia and Bluceronia. This allows the Spanish Air to test its full range of capabilities. The exercises include planning, executing, and monitoring air operations from the main Operations Centre, as well as providing tactical support and control via the Air Surveillance and Control System.
The training also focuses on honing skills in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, personnel recovery, combat rescue, and special air operations. Additionally, there will be simulations of air countermeasures, anti-ship warfare, air logistics transport, and in-flight refuelling, all in collaboration with allied air forces to boost joint interoperability and effectiveness.
The SIRIO 2024 exercise is conducted in the Canary Islands due to the region’s vast airspace, stretching over an area of 200 x 160 nautical miles, which offers unique operational flexibility compared to more restricted European airspaces.
The area allows for flights from sea level to unlimited altitudes, providing ideal conditions for advanced military manoeuvres. Furthermore, the favourable weather conditions in the region facilitate the integration of cutting-edge technologies, optimising the performance of deployed systems, according to the Canary Islands Air Command.
The large-scale military exercise will continue in the coming days, further testing and refining the capabilities of the Spanish military and its allies.
