Spanish Grappa Detachment accomplishes 500 flight hours in EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia
On March 6th, after six months since the Spanish Grappa Detachment joined EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia 
to fight against human smuggling and trafficking networks in front of Libyan coasts, the Spanish contingent fulfilled the number of 500 flight hours.
During the first four months of deployment Grappa Detachment operated in Sigonella Air Base with a P-3 ORION that, last January 15th, was relieved by a CN-235 VIGMA D-4 .
Both Spanish platforms, with a primary ISR role within Operation Sophia, have accomplished a total of 67 missions in Central Mediterranean area so far. During these missions execution, the Grappa Detachment aircrafts have spotted up to 78 Contacts of Interest having contributing as well to rescue more than 6000 migrants, always in coordination with EUNAVFOR MED Force Headquarters and its naval assets.
Following a decision by the EU Political and Security Committee on 28 September, on 7 OctoberOperation EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia moved to the second phase, where suspected smugglers vessels can be boarded, searched, seized and diverted on the high seas in accordance with the international law.