Spain reveals almost everything about Ceuta—except whether its Predator drones are monitoring Morocco

The question was raised after reports of Predator B flights around Ceuta since 30 July. Contacted by El Confidencial Digital, the Spanish Defence Staff replied that it could not provide information on the matter. The Air Force, for its part, offered no confirmation.

Madrid has nevertheless communicated extensively about other reinforcements sent to Ceuta since the crisis. More than 150 military personnel from the Canary Islands notably joined the city to strengthen the capabilities already deployed.

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The Predator B, the Spanish version of the MQ-9 Reaper, is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It can remain airborne for long hours and observe vast areas.

A drone equipped with new intelligence-gathering capabilities

The Spanish MQ-9s have already been used on surveillance missions in the western Mediterranean, where the military presents them as tools for presence, surveillance and deterrence.

Their capabilities evolved further in 2026. In February, the Air Force announced the integration of the SOAR system into its Predator Bs, equipment intended for electromagnetic intelligence and capable of complementing the drone’s optical systems by detecting signals.

Nothing nevertheless makes it possible to assert that an MQ-9 equipped with this system was deployed around Ceuta. The Spanish Ministry of Defence has announced neither a Predator mission in the city nor a surveillance operation targeting Moroccan territory.

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Spain has simultaneously stepped up military measures around Ceuta since the late-July crisis, with ground reinforcements and teams specialising in drones.

Madrid therefore details part of its deployment in Ceuta, but specifically refuses to say whether its main long-endurance surveillance drone is part of it.