The visit of delegates from 24 nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to Gando Air Base, within the framework of the "DV11 Event" of the 2011 Vienna Document, underscores the indisputable geostrategic position of the Canary Islands as a pillar of air defense and surveillance on the southern Atlantic flank. The "DV11 Event" in Gran Canaria is not a mere bureaucratic formality, but a geopolitical validation of the islands' role as a critical turning point for European security stability at the crossroads between Africa and the Americas.
This event, organized for the first time in the islands, is an exercise in transparency and military diplomacy designed to foster confidence and security measures in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. The choice of Gando Air Base as the main inspection point is not insignificant. Gando is home to Wing 46, Spain's only combat wing with three different weapon systems, making it the primary air defense and logistical support asset in the archipelago. The operational demonstration of its assets—the takeoff of F-18 fighter jets (C.15), the display of the CN235 VIGMA maritime patrol aircraft (D.4), and the rescue capabilities of the Super Puma HD.21 helicopters—served to certify Spain's immediate response capability in an area of vital interest for European energy, migration, and trade security.
The presence of representatives from 24 signatory countries of the Vienna Convention (including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France) is a strong gesture of diplomatic transparency. The Vienna Convention requires countries to periodically demonstrate the nature and purpose of their military capabilities. By allowing delegates to inspect weaponry, simulators, and logistical units, Spain is not only fulfilling its international commitments but also reaffirming the trust of its NATO and OSCE partners regarding the exclusively defensive purpose of its deployment in the Atlantic.
Beyond the F-18 fighter jets, the visit included a tour of Gando's logistical support facilities: the photovoltaic and desalination plant, the medical supply depot, and the gymnasium. This detail underscores a subtle yet powerful message: Gando Air Base is not just a combat asset, but a resilient and self-sufficient security infrastructure, capable of sustaining long-term operations and managing its own basic resources. This logistical strength is a key factor for allies seeking bases capable of operating independently of the civilian grid in crisis situations.
