Spain deploys eight F-18 hornets to Black Sea For NATO air policing

Eight Spanish F-18 fighter jets, known as "Raznic," along with 150 Air Force personnel, have commenced a deployment to Romania as part of NATO Air Policing.

Stationed at the Mihail Kogălniceanu military base near the Black Sea until December, their primary mission is to protect and monitor Allied airspace on NATO’s eastern flank. The F-18s successfully completed their initial test flight, demonstrating their operational readiness, according to the General Staff of Defence (EMAD), Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Following this success, the unit, called "Paznic," was certified to begin its mission under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS). The air test involved a rapid scramble preparation, with two F-18s taking off within 15 minutes to intercept a simulated target, proving their capability to NATO observers.

Spain's F/A-18A+ fighters, originally acquired in the late 1980s, have undergone significant upgrades to maintain their operational readiness. Major updates include the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) in the early 2000s, improvements in weaponry and electronic warfare capabilities in 2015, and advanced communication systems in the late 2010s. These enhancements include the integration of Link 16 for real-time information sharing with NATO forces.

In the 2020s, the focus shifted to survivability and sustainability, with new self-protection systems such as radar warning receivers and countermeasure dispensers. These ongoing upgrades have kept the aircraft effective against evolving threats and extended their operational lifespan.

The Spanish F/A-18A+, designated C.15 within the Spanish Air Force, has participated in notable missions such as the Kosovo War in 1999, the Baltic Air Policing mission since 2004, and Operation Unified Protector in Libya in 2011. Additionally, they regularly take part in multinational exercises like Red Flag in the United States, enhancing interoperability and readiness among NATO and allied forces.