Spain Flexes Military Might in Canary Islands Airspace Exercise Amid Morocco Tensions

Also participating in this military exercise, which will end on October 30, are members of the Spanish Army, Navy and Portuguese Air Force. These maneuvers are being carried out in the Canary Islands due to the considerable extent of its airspace, which allows flights at unlimited altitudes, "offering superior operational flexibility compared to other more restricted European airspaces. Moreover, the prevailing weather conditions in the region favor the integration and exploitation of advanced technologies, which expands the operational possibilities and optimizes the performance of the deployed systems," explains the Air Force.

This air exercise coincides with the firing exercises carried out since September 1 by the Moroccan navy off the waters of the Sahara and which should continue until December 31, reports El Debate, stating that these Moroccan army maneuvers are taking place in the Atlantic, 140 kilometers from the Canary Islands. The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs had stated that he was informed of these Moroccan exercises and indicated that there was "no reason to worry," stressing that the competent services are closely monitoring these activities. Before the start of the maneuvers, Morocco had assured the Spanish authorities that they would take place outside the territorial waters of the Canary Islands.

In addition, Morocco and France conducted naval exercises this week north of the Canary Islands, about 400 miles from Lanzarote. A French nuclear submarine participated in these maneuvers, which took place in the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. These exercises mark a turning point in Franco-Moroccan military cooperation.