Minister of Defense praises the operational capability of the 12th Air and Space Wing

During her visit to the Torrejón Air Base, Robles highlighted the preparation of the personnel after their participation in the Ramstein Flag 2025 multinational exercise.

Strategic unity on the international scene

The Minister of Defense, Margarita Roblespraised on Monday the 12 Wing skill, preparation and commitmentone of the most consolidated units of the Air and Space Armyheadquartered in the Torrejón Air Base since 1958. The unit has just returned from exercise Ramstein Flag 2025a multinational maneuver which brought together 17 NATO countriesmore than 90 aircraft and joint operations since 12 bases distributed in different regions of the world.

In the words of Colonel José María AlonsoAccording to the head of the 12th Wing, this type of exercise allows us to "improve our capabilities and always be prepared for any requirement". Alonso also anticipated two forthcoming operational engagements: the Sinkex exercise in the Canary Islandsin three weeks, and the Atlantean exercise in the Gulf of Cadizexpected from the September 8 to 13.

People over technology

During her visit, Minister Robles held a meeting with part of the almost 400 troops He defined them as "the backbone of any unit. People are more important than technology, aircraft or state-of-the-art tools.

Robles stressed the importance of the teamworkespecially in the Air and Space Forces, where the work of the gunsmiths, mechanics and engineers is essential to ensure that each mission is executed with safety and efficacy. "The pilot may be the most visible figure, but without the work of the whole team, nothing would be possible," he added.

Commitment to international security

The 12th Wing has had an outstanding participation in international missionsincluding operations in the Balkans, Libyaand, more recently, in the reinforcement of NATO's Eastern flank as part of the mission of Baltic Air Police. This track record consolidates its role as a strategic unit within the framework of the Allied collective defense.

Recognition for a lifetime of service

As part of the tour, the minister visited the unit's museum, where she paid tribute to the pilot Pablo Estradadied in October 2024 after his plane crashed F-18 in the vicinity of Teruel. During the ceremony, his family received the posthumous honorary promotion to colonelin recognition of his professionalism and exemplary track record.

This touching moment closed a day marked by the Institutional pride and commitment to the defense of Spain and its international allies..

Source: https://www.defensa.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2025/05/DGC-250516-visita-ala-doce-torrejon.html