The Spanish frigate Almirante Juan de Borbón (F-102) is taking part in the multinational sea-based missile defense exercise “At Sea Demonstration 15” (ASD-15) in Scottish waters along with other warships from the Netherlands, USA, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada and Norway.
The Spanish Navy frigate is therefore contributing to NATO’s ballistic missile defense system while she also takes the opportunity to train in other conventional air defense tactics.
In this ASD-15 edition, the F-102 detected and tracked a ballistic missile during its trajectory out of the atmosphere. The target was subsequently destroyed by an AA missile launched from a US Navy destroyer. Other ships from the multinational force activated their defense systems against two targets simulating anti-ship missiles.
This is the third time the Spanish frigate has successfully detected and tracked a target of this type, thanks to the new capability recently installed on board.
Originally established at the end of the 90’s, the MTMD (Maritime Theatre Missile Defense) Forum, which comprises NATO and non-NATO nations was conceived as a co-operation body for participating navies to develop improved cooperation and interoperability in sea-based missile defense using a common command and control system.
The trials and exercises will continue in the coming days. The Almirante Juan de Borbón is scheduled to launch an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) against a target simulating a modern anti-ship missile. The frigate will return to her home port at the beginning of November.
Image: Spanish Navy