On Friday 5th February, Spanish Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) P-3 Orion completed its first counter-piracy reconnaissance mission with Operation Atalanta after launching from its base in Djibouti.
This information is essential for the Force Commander of the European Union Naval Force, Italian Rear Admiral, Stefano Barbieri, who is embarked with his Force Headquarters staff on the Operation Atalanta flagship, ITS Carabiniere. A clear maritime picture allows the force to better monitor, deter and disrupt piracy in the area of operations.
The P-3 has a long range, speed and endurance, providing significant flexibility in planning and executing missions, either as an individual unit or in coordination with other EU Naval Force vessels or aircraft.