EU NAVFOR’s German Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPRA) has flown its 6000th hour for Operation Atalanta.
On the 1st of October at 11:07 in the morning, German Orion P3-C MPRA accomplished this significant milestone on duty for EU NAVFOR. The Orion P-3C has flown on Operation Atalanta duties since 2009 off the east coast of Somalia in support of counter piracy operations and protection of vulnerable shipping. After the flight, Patrol Plane Commander Daniel Peter reported: “We have achieved our 6000th hour flying over the Somali coastline working to detect, deter and disrupt maritime piracy”.
EU NAVFOR Force Commander, Rear Admiral Fabio Gregori, congratulated the MPRA commanding officer while soldiers and engineers of the German detachment formed a guard of honour.
The highly capable P-3C can operate either alone or in coordination with other assets including EU NAVFOR’s helicopters and warships. It can use its inherent flexibility, speed, reach, and response time, to assist maritime vessels under pirate attack.
Both Spain and Germany have deployed MPRAs to the Somali coast since the start of Operation Atalanta. The expertise gained by their respective crews is a key factor contributing to the success of the EU NAVFOR Operation.