Crowded naval review and dynamic exhibition mark the start of DIFAS in Gran Canaria

Thousands of citizens gather to witness the deployment of the Armed Forces, with the historic participation of the S-81 submarine.

With an impressive military display and an enthusiastic response from the public, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria experienced this Saturday the start of the Armed Forces Day (DIFAS) 2025 events. The day was presided over by His Majesty King Felipe VI, accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, and various civilian and military authorities.

Unpublished presence of the submarine S-81 'Isaac Peral'.

One of the highlights was the participation, for the first time in this type of event, of the S-81 submarine 'Isaac Peral', flagship of the S-80 submarine program. Leading the naval review, the aircraft carrier 'Juan Carlos I' opened the way for a dozen ships and 23 Air and Space Army aircraft, in an unprecedented display of strength and coordination.

The King presided over the review from the patrol boat 'Tornado', accompanied by the Minister of Defense and the top of the Spanish military structure.

Dynamic exhibition at the Alcaravaneras beach

Afterwards, thousands of people gathered at the Alcaravaneras beach to witness the dynamic exhibition, which began with a jump by five parachutists of the Parachute Acrobatic Patrol (PAPEA), carrying a 70-meter long Spanish flag weighing 15 kilos. The jump was received with a standing ovation by the audience.

It was followed by amphibious landing, sanitary evacuations, rescues and interceptions drills, carried out by members of the Army, the Navy and the Civil Guard. The event concluded with an overflight by the Eagle Patrol, which painted the sky with the colors of the national flag.

More than 1,200 members of the Armed Forces participated in the day, which closed a week of activities and naval visits in the port of Las Palmas.

Central parade in Tenerife

The central event of the DIFAS will take place tomorrow in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will preside over a large land and air parade. Nearly 3,300 military personnel will take part, of which 13% are women.

The event will feature 34 aircraft, 21 helicopters, nearly 90 vehicles (including five battleships) and emblematic units such as the Tercio 'Duque de Alba' 2nd of the Legion, accompanied by its mascot, the kid 'Camarón', and the Melilla Regulars Group.

Source: https://www.defensa.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2025/06/DGC-250606-revista-naval-difas.html