Spain’s Air and Space Force has launched Atlante 26, its annual advanced training exercise, from Morón Air Base in Seville, with live air-to-air and air-to-surface firing over the Gulf of Cádiz. The operation runs through 18 September and involves F-18 and Eurofighter units, alongside anti-drone missions and other combat-readiness drills.
Participating formations include Wings 11, 12, 14, 15, 46 and 48, together with the EZAPAC parachute sapper unit and support, command and control elements. The exercise began with integration on Sunday before the execution phase started on Monday. Training covers air-to-air cannon fire against a drone-towed target, missile launches and air-to-surface firing against a naval target.
Atlante 26 is designed to sharpen operational readiness in a live-fire environment while expanding counter-UAS training, a growing requirement for modern air defence. Flight safety and weapons safety remain the top priorities during the manoeuvres.