On mission since 19 March and until 26 November, the Air Force detachment that flew over the Mediterranean Sea again this year on maritime surveillance missions is back. Operating from Malaga, Spain, using a C-295M aircraft from Squadron 502 – ‘Elefantes’ squadron, the detachment detected more than 21,761 contacts, of which nearly 600 were classified as of interest, in 380 flight hours dedicated to safeguarding human life, preventing illegal migration, trafficking in human beings, goods and weapons, illegal fishing, smuggling, drug trafficking and other illicit activities. 

Of those contacts, ten were reported as irregular migration events, with approximately 160 people on board vessels.

The mission, called JO INDALO, covered almost 5 million square kilometres and was carried out on behalf of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency – FRONTEX, of the European Union.

On their return to Portugal, the detachment was welcomed yesterday, 4 December, at Air Base No. 6 in Montijo, with a military ceremony presided over by Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Sérgio Pereira, who took the opportunity to thank everyone involved for their dedication and the results achieved, reiterating the "pride and gratitude that the institution feels for each one of you. You fulfilled the mission with competence, courage and determination, once again raising the name of the Air Force and Portugal. But this mission was much more than just numbers, it was a demonstration of your commitment, your ability to act in complex scenarios, in the certainty that we are prepared to make a difference where it matters most." 

For 15 years, since 2011, Squadron 502 has been participating in missions on behalf of FRONTEX, maintaining regular participation in JO INDALO. In these 15 years, more than 12,000 migrants have been reported attempting to cross European borders by sea. 

Operation ÍNDALO is part of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency – FRONTEX, a European body created in 2004 with the aim of promoting, coordinating and developing the management of European borders, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EU) and the concept of Integrated Border Management. It is responsible for helping EU Member States and Schengen associated countries to protect the external borders of the EU's free movement area.