From the very beginning of the ATALANTA Operation, Spain has shown a firm commitment to fight and eradicate Somali-based piracy and armed robbery at sea, off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean.  Its main air asset is currently the D-4, which is the MPRA (Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft) version of the CN-235 transport aircraft. 

Last January the D-4 replaced the P-3 Orion and entered into action.  Since then, this aircraft has achieved outstanding results in conducted missions. The twin engine D-4 is equipped with the latest surveillance systems and technology. This state-of-the-art equipment allows it to perform its tasks efficiently and effectively. Whether flying reconnaissance missions over the Somali coastline or patrolling over international waters, the D-4 has provided the Operation Atalanta with valuable imagery intelligence, which has significantly contributed to the reduction of Somali-based pirate activities.

The crew is comprised by eleven airmen. There are four pilots, three system operators in charge of the maritime surveillance radar and the FLIR cameras, two photographers, a flight engineer, and a tactical coordination officer, responsible for coordinating crew members during the tactical phase of the mission. Every crew member has a vital task that is crucial for the optimal performance of each mission. An average mission usually consists of an eight-hour flight patrol and aerial reconnaissance along the coast of Somalia.  

The D-4 is also specially designed for SAR (Search and Rescue) operations, which is its main task in Spain. As an example of this capability, the D-4 has recently played a major role in the rescue of the Yemeni fishing vessel, Al Amal.  In fact, it was the first asset to locate the vessel, when it became stranded off the coast of Somalia.

The D-4 is a highly reliable aircraft easy to maintain. Its eleven crewmembers are backed up by a maintenance team, who possess a high level of expertise and technical knowledge of the aircraft.

Apart from its aircraft crewmembers and maintenance staff, the Spanish military detachment in Djibouti also comprises imagery intelligence analysts, a medical team, and other support capabilities and assets. The flawless performance of this group of committed military professionals and the coordination of their tasks with those of detachments from other EU countries has been a key factor in the success of the ATALANTA Operation.