The Armed Forces actively maintain various presence systems throughout the national territory as part of their contribution to the National security in peacetime. These actions are carried out within the framework of so-called permanent operations, regulated and coordinated by the Ministry of Defense, as indicated in the official information of the Ministry of Defense.
In this operational context is the recent deployment of Army units in several islands of the Canary archipelago, an area considered strategic due to its geographical position and its importance throughout the national territory.
Land patrols on key islands in the archipelago
Since Tuesday, December 16, the personnel of the 9th Infantry Regiment of Soria, integrated into the Canary Brigadedevelops land patrols on the islands of Lanzarote and La Gomera. These actions aim to strengthen the surveillance of land areas under national sovereignty and to increase the capacity for early detection of any incident.
The military presence is carried out in a planned manner, without extraordinary character and in coordination with the competent civil authorities. The objective is not only the physical protection of the territory, but also preventive deterrence against possible threats, in accordance with the principles of comprehensive security established by the State.
A permanent mission in peacetime
Permanent operations constitute one of the main instruments of the armed forces to guarantee the stability and defense of the national territory in non-war scenarios. Thanks to them, the Army maintains a constant presence which allows it to anticipate risks, improve interoperability and ensure a rapid response to any eventuality.
This type of missions is carried out continuously in different regions of Spain, with particular attention to areas of singular strategic interest such as archipelagos, land borders and enclaves with specific geopolitical characteristics.
Knowledge of the field and connection with the population
In addition to its strictly operational dimension, deployment to the Canary Islands allows participating units to deepen their knowledge of the physical, social and logistical environment of the islands. This factor is essential for effective planning and for the adaptation of military procedures to specific territorial realities.
The integration of troops into the local environment also promotes the strengthening of the link between armies and citizens. During their stay, the military plan to carry out informative activities, such as an exhibition of videos and materials in an educational center on the island, aimed at bringing the work of the army closer to society.
Operational coordination at national level
The device deployed in the Canaries is under the responsibility of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera, head of the Canary Army Command and, simultaneously, commander of the Land Operational Command (CMOT). From this position, he directs and coordinates presence and surveillance operations in different parts of the national territory.
Its scope of action is not limited to the Canary Islands archipelago, but also covers areas such as Ceuta, Melilla and the Balearic Islands, guaranteeing constant coordination between military structures and civil authorities to guarantee an effective and proportionate response.
A silent but constant strategy
The deployment of land patrols in Lanzarote and La Gomera reflects a defense strategy based on continued presencethe anticipation and normalization of security in the context of daily life in the territory. Far from specific actions, it is a sustained model that strengthens the operational capacity of the Army in various scenarios.
These missions consolidate the role of the Armed Forces as guarantors of territorial integrity and stability, while strengthening their commitment to civilian populations and to the overall defense of the State in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
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