The Balearic Islands Operational Command will again deploy military units in Ibiza and Formentera during the month of December with the aim of increasing the presence, surveillance and protection of the island territory. This is the third deployment carried out in 2025 within the so-called Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) which are permanently developed throughout the territory of sovereignty and national interest.
Between December 15 and 19, troops from the platoon and section of the Palma 47th Infantry Regiment, based in Palma de Mallorca, will carry out patrols and reconnaissance both on foot and motorized in different parts of Ibiza. The purpose of these actions is to improve the surveillance of the environment and to reinforce security, as well as to increase the knowledge of the terrain for an eventual intervention in support of the civil authorities and the State Security Forces and Corps.
From the operational point of view, this type of activations allows the Armed Forces to have updated information of the environment, a key factor to offer a quick and effective response to any risk or crisis situation. In addition, the deployment contributes to intensify the presence of the Army in all the islands of the Balearic archipelago and to strengthen the direct contact with the local population.
VDPOs, a key security tool
Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are a fundamental tool to guarantee the permanent surveillance of national sovereignty spaces. Thanks to these operations, it is possible to detect possible threats in advance and facilitate an immediate and viable response to risk scenarios.
These operations are directed by the Land Operational Command (MOT), with headquarters in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and under the command of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera. This body is responsible for the planning, conduct and monitoring of the OPVD in its area of responsibility, which covers the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla and the Balearic Islands.
The MOT operates under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS), headquartered in Madrid and reporting to the Defense General Staff. This command is in charge of planning and directing the permanent operations of the Armed Forces in all domains – land, maritime, air, space and cyberspace – and coordinates the various specialized operational commands.
