INS Tabar and Spanish Navy's Atalaya conduct maritime partnership Exercise in Mediterranean.

According to information published by the Indian government on August 30, 2024, the Navy's frigate, INS Tabar, conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy's patrol boat, Atalaya, in the Mediterranean Sea. This exercise took place on August 27, 2024, following INS Tabar's two-day port visit to Malaga, Spain.
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Talwar-class frigate INS Tabar and Spanish patrol boat Atalaya. (Picture source: Indian government)

The exercise highlights the strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Spain as they continue to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the defense sector.

The MPX featured a series of complex naval maneuvers and drills, including Station Keeping, Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPs), Flying Exercise (FYEX), Steam Past, and PHOTOEX serials. These activities allowed both navies to demonstrate their high levels of professionalism and coordination, showcasing their commitment to fostering closer collaboration at sea.

India-Spain Defense Cooperation

A notable aspect of India and Spain's growing defense relationship is the acquisition of 56 C295MW Airbus aircraft by India, valued at approximately €2.5 billion. This deal involves a partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems and represents the first 'Make in India' aerospace initiative in the private sector. Sixteen of the aircraft will be manufactured in Spain, while the remaining forty will be assembled in India with Spanish assistance.

About the Spanish Patrol Boat Atalaya

The Spanish Navy's Atalaya is a 68-meter long patrol boat with a beam of 10.33 meters and a draft of 3.36 meters, displacing 1,200 tons. It is powered by two MTU engines delivering a total of 7,500 horsepower, coupled with two shafts featuring controllable pitch propellers. The vessel is equipped with stabilizing fins and supported by three diesel generators, each generating 195 kW, enabling a top speed of 20 knots.

Atalaya is outfitted with advanced radar and navigation systems, including the Consilium RTM Selesmar 30 SIM for surface and air detection and the Consilium Selesmar RTM 25 XIM navigation radar. Its armament consists of a primary 76 mm/50 caliber gun and two 12.7 mm machine guns for close-in defense.