Spanish Navy’s ESPS Meteoro is joining the European Union Naval Force’s (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta in the Indian Ocean.
The offshore patrol vessel departed the Military Arsenal of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on April 1, 2018, the navy informed.
As explained, the deployment of Meteoro is part of the country’s efforts to maintain security in the waters of the Gulf of Aden and Somalia, protecting both merchant and fishing vessels.
Meteoro previously participated in the operation in 2013 and 2015.
The OPVs are 96 meters long and displace 2,500 tons. They accommodate a crew of 86 and have an SH 60B ‘Seahawk’ helicopter embarked.
Launched in December 2008, Operation Atalanta has the objectives to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. In addition, the EU Naval Force protects vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) delivering aid to displaced persons in Somalia.