Spain strengthens its military presence in Melilla to respond to Rabat

The 31st Wing, based in Zaragoza, carried out this training flight on the military airfield of the autonomous city, reports El Debate. This maneuver validates the capacity of the local infrastructure to accommodate this giant transport aircraft, capable of projecting troops and heavy equipment close to the action, thus increasing the flexibility of the Spanish response.

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This deployment comes as Morocco is intensifying its arsenal with a budget of $8.5 billion, including F-16s, Apache helicopters and WhAP 8x8 armored vehicles. Faced with this increase in power supported by the United States, the A400M offers Spain enhanced operational autonomy in the North African enclave.

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With a capacity of 37 tons, the aircraft can transport Chinook helicopters or Stryker vehicles on short or soft runways. Its spacious hold and state-of-the-art laser defense systems make it an essential vector for the strategic transport of sensitive equipment or support for emergency operations.