Canary Islands Host Ocean Sky 2025: Major Air Combat Training Exercise

The skies south of the Canary Islands are the setting for Ocean Sky 2025 this month, Spain’s largest annual air combat training exercise and one of the most significant of its kind in Europe. This extensive exercise not only showcases Spain’s military capabilities but also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in air defense operations.

Overview of Ocean Sky 2025

Organised by the Spanish Air Force, the exercise runs until 31st October, bringing together aircraft and crews from several allied nations. According to the Air and Space Force, the Canary Islands will become a “vast operational arena,” where Spanish and international units will test their capabilities in a “complex and highly demanding environment.” This year’s exercise is particularly noteworthy as it aims to enhance the readiness and effectiveness of air forces in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.

The training is directed by the Air Combat Command (MACOM) under the operational leadership of Gando Air Base on Gran Canaria, with support from Lanzarote Air Base. Spain’s 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 31st, and 46th Wings are all taking part, deploying advanced aircraft such as Eurofighter Typhoons and F-18M fighters. The integration of these modern platforms is crucial for simulating realistic combat scenarios, thereby preparing aircrews for potential real-world engagements.

International Participation

Participating alongside them are air forces from Germany, Greece, Portugal, India, and the United States, as well as aircraft from the European Air Refuelling Training (EART) initiative. The international contingent includes a diverse array of fighter jets such as F-18M, Eurofighter, F-16 C/D B50, F-16 Fighting Falcon M, F-15E, and Su-30MKI. These aircraft are supported by a fleet of tanker aircraft including MRTT, KC-767, KC-30M, A-332, and A400M, which are essential for extending the operational range of the fighter jets involved.

In total, more than 50 aircraft are involved, forming a large-scale multinational force designed to strengthen interoperability and cooperation between allied nations. The presence of ground units, including GRUALERCON, GRUCEMAC, GRUNOMAC, EADA, SEADA, GRUMOCA, CIGES, and the Royal Guard, also plays an important role in the exercise. Their participation underscores the comprehensive nature of the training, which encompasses not only aerial maneuvers but also ground operations that are critical for mission success.

Training Objectives and Conditions

The choice of the Canary Islands as the venue is no coincidence, the Air Force explains. The region’s stable year-round weather and low air traffic density make it an ideal location for complex and realistic training scenarios, allowing simulated large-scale air combat missions to be conducted safely. This strategic selection of location ensures that the participating forces can engage in extensive training without the interruptions often faced in more congested airspaces.

The main goal of Ocean Sky 2025 is to train aircrews in air superiority missions, covering both Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) and Offensive Counter-Air (OCA) operations. These exercises aim to enhance tactical leadership, coordination, and interoperability, all essential for maintaining collective security within European airspace. By focusing on these critical areas, the exercise prepares aircrews to respond effectively to a variety of threats, thereby bolstering regional stability.

Preliminary familiarisation flights (FAM flights) took place on 17th October, allowing crews to conduct reconnaissance and adapt to local conditions before the main operations. These initial flights are crucial for ensuring that all personnel are well-acquainted with the operational environment, which can significantly impact mission outcomes. The Air Force highlights that Ocean Sky reflects Spain’s commitment to operational excellence and allied cooperation. Conducting the exercise from the Canary Islands demonstrates that Spain and its airmen are “ready to defend their skies and those of their allies.”

Key Points

• Ocean Sky 2025 is Spain’s largest annual air combat training exercise.
• The exercise runs until 31st October in the Canary Islands.
• More than 50 aircraft from various nations are participating.
• Ground units play a significant role in the exercise.
• The training focuses on air superiority missions.
• The Canary Islands provide ideal conditions for realistic training scenarios.
• Preliminary familiarisation flights occurred on 17th October.