The Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Furor’ starts a new deployment in Western Africa and the Gulf of Guinea
The vessel will participate during the first half of 2026 in an EU Operation of maritime surveillance and international cooperation in a key region for our security.
The OPV ‘Furor’ (P-46) begins a new deployment today on the West coast of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea as part of the European Union’s initiative ‘Coordinated Maritime Presence in the Gulf of Guinea’, which intends to increase maritime security, enhance the awareness of the domain and promote cooperation with the region’s coastal countries.
The ‘Furor’ is under command of Lieutenant Commander Ángel García and joins this mission, he explains, “after a demanding period of preparation and certification, which we have carried out over the last year and a half. A demanding task that is rewarded with the opportunity to represent Spain in a strategic region.”
Strategic region for energy supply and the fishing fleet
The Gulf of Guinea is an area of particular interest for national and European security, affected by piracy, armed robbery, and multiple forms of illicit trafficking, and is essential for the protection of maritime energy supply lines and the Spanish fishing fleet.
“Spain’s security begins many miles away from our territory,” explains Lt-Cdr García. “We achieve this by protecting the sea lines of communication that guarantee our energy supplies and by providing support to the Spanish fishing fleet operating in these waters.”
During the deployment, the OPV ‘Furor’ will carry out naval presence activities, maritime surveillance patrols, and coordinated operations with both European Union vessels and the navies of coastal states.
Military cooperation and strengthening of capabilities
One of the fundamental pillars of the deployment is military cooperation with countries in the region, aimed at strengthening their maritime security capabilities. During the port calls, the ship will conduct training and instruction in areas such as maritime interdiction, diving, and response to damage control incidents.
“Military cooperation activities are focused on supporting the armed forces of coastal countries in developing capabilities that will allow them to operate with greater autonomy,” the commanding officer explains. “At sea, we will conduct combined patrols and advanced training in VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations.”
Readiness, cohesion, and the human factor
After the readiness certification period, the ship will face a prolonged deployment, far from national territory and in an environment with limited logistic support capabilities.
In this regard, Lt-Cdr García highlights the value of the human factor in an OPV crew: “Cohesion and camaraderie are essential. Working as a team, looking out for each other, and keeping spirits high is vital; from the sailor with the lowest rank to the commander, we are all necessary.”
The ship’s basic crew consists of 50 men and women, which is reinforced during deployment to a total of 78 people on board.
Commitment to the security of Spain and Europe
With this mission, Spain reinforces its commitment to European security and defense, being one of the main contributors to this EU initiative.
For the commander of the ‘Furor’, it is essential that Spanish society understands that “the security and well-being we enjoy in Spain, and which we take for granted, are possible thanks to the commitment and sacrifice of military personnel who defend our country’s interests far away from our shores.”
About the Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Furor’
Source : ARMADA
