"The security of friendly nations is our security", says María Dolores de Cospedal

Along the same lines, María Dolores de Cospedal stressed that "Spain is already a fine example and benchmark country committed to joint efforts on the international stage". This was reflected in the official opening in Zaragoza on Thursday of the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC).

During her speech, the Minister for Defence highlighted the significant role played by this Academy, which she referred to as the "birthplace of Spanish aviation" and an "undeniable benchmark" in the training of Air Force personnel.

María Dolores de Cospedal also wished to underline the role played by the non-commissioned air force officers in her speech, "whose strong work ethic and capacity to adapt swiftly is an essential element in the far-reaching transformation experienced by the Spanish Armed Forces in recent years".

To close her speech, the Minister for Defence stressed that "the unseen and constant work of our military personnel is vital for ensuring the well-being and future of our society". "The security of our homes is also fully guaranteed from afar, enabling us to feel very close", she added.

25th Anniversary of the Basic Air Academy in Leon, Spain

Upon his arrival at the Academy, King Felipe was received by the Minister for Defence, María Dolores de Cospedal, the Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Force General Javier Salto, and the Colonel Academy Director, Juan Ángel Treceño. Following the official honours, H.M. the King of Spain reviewed the Squadron and subsequently witnessed the Trainee Squadron march past.

After attending a briefing on the academy from the Colonel Director, King Felipe and the public officials accompanying him were taken to the multi-purpose hall to attend the academic ceremony.

The events to commemorate the 25th anniversary began with an audio-visual presentation about the Basic Air Academy. Following the speeches by the Minister for Defence and the Air Force Chief of Staff, an audio-visual documentary entitled In Memoriam was screened in tribute to the trainers and trainees who lost their lives in service over the 25 years of the academy.

The event concluded with the Air Force Anthem.

The ceremony was attended by: the President of the Regional Government of Castile-Leon, Juan Vicente Herrera Campo; the Speaker of the Houses of Parliament of Castile-Leon, Silvia Clemente; the Central Government Representative in the Autonomous Region of Castile-Leon, María José Salgueiro Cortiñas; the Mayor of Valverde de la Virgen, David Fernández Blanco; and the Under-secretary for Defence, Arturo Romaní, among other civilian dignitaries and military officials.

General Basic Air Force Academy

The General Basic Air Force Academy was founded in 1992 and a total of 24 classes have graduated since then, meaning that approximately 4,200 military personnel have received training in the best values of the Spanish Armed Forces.

Its mission is to educate its students about constitutional principles and the characteristics of the Spanish Armed Forces, as well as provide them with professional skills and abilities to constantly adapt their knowledge to the ongoing developments of science and technology in order to fulfil the duties assigned to the Spanish Air Force.

The syllabus combines general and specific military training with technical training aimed at obtaining a Certificate of Advanced Professional Education in Vocational Training from the Spanish general education system over the course of three academic years.

This training is made possible by the various partnership and exchange agreements reached with the University of Leon, enabling the academy to provide prestigious and technologically state of the art training.

The specialities included in this training model are as follows: Air Force Protection and Support; Operations Command; and Air Traffic Control and Information and Telecommunications Systems.

Students stay at the academy during their first two years of study. During this time, they study one of the two Vocational Training qualifications (Aero-mechanical Maintenance or Telecommunications and Computer Systems). In the third year, the students of Operational Maintenance continue their studies at the centre, while the students of Air Force Protection and Support do so at the School of Security, Defence and Support Techniques (Zaragoza Air Base) and the students of Air Traffic Control and Information and Telecommunications Systems go on to study at the School of Aeronautical Techniques (Torrejón Air Base).

Upon concluding their training period, students receive a Certificate of Advanced Professional Education in Vocational Training for their corresponding speciality, are promoted to Sergeant, thereby joining the ranks of Non-commissioned Air Force Officers.