The Mediterranean seabed has become a strategically vital area, hosting critical infrastructure and trade routes, while also presenting emerging risks. Given this reality, seabed surveillance has become an operational priority for the Navy.
This deployment is part of the MARSEC-26 exercise, the main national maritime security training, taking place between April 7 and 17. Its objective is to simulate real-world situations and improve coordination between units to effectively respond to hidden underwater threats, such as explosive mines or looting activities.
In Almería's waters, the exercise focuses on seabed surveillance and the protection of underwater infrastructure. Two specialized units operate in coordination: the minehunter Tajo (M-36) and the diver support vessel Neptuno (A-20). The Tajo is responsible for detection and analysis using sonar and advanced technology, while the Neptuno intervenes directly when action is required.
“"We locate, detect, and classify."
Commander Juan Antonio Chicharro of the Tajo emphasizes the importance of their work in detecting objects not visible from the surface, including explosives from past conflicts that can remain active for decades. These artifacts, such as mines or projectiles, are sometimes accidentally discovered by fishermen or divers, triggering immediate security protocols.
During the maneuvers in Almería, the Tajo simulated locating a contact on the seabed, deploying an underwater robot for visual identification. This operation demonstrated the vessel's ability to maintain a precise position and control the robot in real-time, sending images that only experts can interpret from the Combat Information Center.
Meanwhile, the Neptuno takes action once the target is identified. This vessel is designed for direct intervention operations on the seabed, such as rescues, object recovery, or technical work on submerged infrastructure, using divers and specialized systems in an extreme environment.
“"Oxygen at depth is toxic."
The commander of the Neptuno, Jorge Rivera, explained the limitations of deep diving, where visibility is very low and conditions are demanding. Specific preparation and training are crucial for safe operation in this environment, where humans are not adapted to remain for long periods.
In addition to security, the Navy also carries out surveillance to detect unauthorized activities, especially the looting of historical remains and shipwrecks, which are part of Spain's vast underwater archaeological heritage. These operations contribute to heritage protection and the control of suspicious vessels.
