In a fictitious combat scenario, Exercise Sirio 2024 pits Feroxia and Bluceronia against each other, two nations in conflict whose dispute will allow the Air and Space Force to exploit its capabilities deployed south of the Canary Islands.
The most demanding national exercise of the Air and Space Force has begun this week in the Canary Islands. A deployment, planned and coordinated by the Air Combat Command, will bring together more than 1,500 airmen in the south of the islands.
These airmen belong to Wing 11, Wing 12, Wing 14, Wing 15, Wing 23, Wing 31, Wing 35, Wing 46, Wing 48, CINTAER, EADA, EDHEA, EZAPAC, GRUALERCON, GRUCEMAC, GRUMOCA, GRUNOMAC, SEADA and the Plus Ultra Squadron of the Royal Guard. Together with them, members of the Army, the Spanish Navy and the Portuguese Air Force belonging to the 201/301 Fighter Squadron (F-16M) are also participating.
Objectives of SIRIO 24
The exercise aims to train and evaluate all the units involved during the development of operations. This includes the planning, execution and supervision of air operations from the Air Operations Center, as well as tactical assistance and control through the Air Surveillance and Control System. In addition, it seeks to improve skills in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, in personnel recovery and combat rescue, special air operations and cyber defense procedures.
The capabilities of air countermeasures, anti-ship warfare, logistical air transport and in-flight refueling will also be trained, all in collaboration with allied air forces to improve interoperability and joint effectiveness.
But why in the Canary Islands?
In the south of the Canary Islands there is an extensive airspace of approximately 200 by 160 nautical miles, which offers significant advantages for carrying out air operations. This space allows flights from practically sea level to unlimited altitudes, providing superior operational flexibility compared to other more restricted European airspaces.
In addition, the prevailing weather conditions in the area favor the integration and exploitation of advanced technologies, which expands operational possibilities and optimizes the performance of deployed systems.
In this way, SIRIO 24 is the perfect showcase to highlight the capabilities of the Air Force units in their constant search for operational excellence. In addition, through exercises like this, cooperation is promoted and relations between the armed forces of allied nations are consolidated.
