Flotilla de Aeronaves de la Armada (FLOAN) Rota Naval Station Spain

The Spanish Navy, officially known as the Armada Española, is one of the oldest active naval forces in the world. It has its headquarters at Naval Station Rota, which is located in Rota Cadiz Spain.

Naval Station Rota is a large Spanish base that also houses a significant American military presence. It is strategically positioned near the Strait of Gibraltar, making it a crucial location for both the Spanish and US Navies. The base provides logistical support to US and NATO ships, as well as US Air Force aircraft. It also has the largest weapons and fuels facilities in Europe.

FLOAN History

The Flotilla de Aeronaves de la Armada (FLOAN) has a rich history dating back to the early days of naval aviation in Spain. Here's a breakdown of its development:

Origins (1917-1939):

• The FLOAN's roots lie in the Aeronáutica Naval, established in 1917 by royal decree.
• This early naval air arm used seaplanes and even dirigibles, operating from the seaplane carrier Dédalo from 1922 onwards.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) severely impacted the Aeronáutica Naval, leading to a decline in personnel and resources.

Post-War Rebuilding (1954-1976):

• In 1954, the FLOAN was officially formed, marking a revival of Spanish naval aviation.
• The initial focus was on helicopters, with the arrival of Bell 47 helicopter.

The limitations of existing facilities at the Naval Academy in Marín led to a crucial shift.

• 1957: Construction began on hangars and support infrastructure for a helicopter flotilla at Rota Naval Base. This move provided the FLOAN with a dedicated and modern base.
• New Squadrons and Aircraft: As the FLOAN developed, new squadrons were formed equipped with various aircraft types. The arrival of the powerful CH-19E helicopters in 1957 for anti-submarine warfare is a noteworthy example.

Transformation and Modernization (1976-Present):

• 1976: A significant milestone was reached with the introduction of the first combat jets, the AV-8A Matadors. This marked the FLOAN's evolution into a more versatile force.
• Unification: The Flotilla de Helicópteros (Helicopter Flotilla) was formally merged into the FLOAN in this period, solidifying its position as the complete naval air arm.

The FLOAN's history reflects the ongoing commitment of the Spanish Navy to maintaining a strong and adaptable air arm. From its early days with seaplanes to its current fleet of helicopters, jets, and UAVs, the FLOAN has played a vital role in Spanish naval operations.

FLOAN February 2024

FLOAN operates both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The Spanish Navy's rotary assets are all home-based at Rota, but they regularly deploy on deck with Spanish Navy ships. The primary mission is to provide support to the Spanish Navy's fleet. This includes tasks such as anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and search and rescue, support is also provided to the Spanish Marines and the Spanish Army. FLOAN has been involved in a number of operations, including the war in Afghanistan and the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia. This is a highly professional and capable force that plays an important role in the defense of Spain.

Aircraft operated by the FLOAN:

AB212

Ce550

Ce650

H369M

EAV8B

EAV8B+

TAV8B

H135PEH

SH-60B

SH-60F

Scan Eagle (UAV)

Escuadrilla (squadrons) based with FLOAN:

3 Escuadrilla AB212

4 Escuadrilla Ce550/Ce560

5 Escuadrilla SH-60F

6 Escuadrilla H369M

9 Escuadrilla EAV8B, EAV8B+, TAV8B

10 Escuadrilla SH-60B

11 Escuadrilla Scan Eagle UAV

12 Escuadrilla H135PEH (newly formed)

14 Escuadrilla NH90 (to be formed 2025)

FLOAN 2024 onwards (Rotary)

There are alot of changes coming to the squadrons based on Rota during 2024 into 2025. 6 Escuadrilla pilots who currently fly H369s will convert to the new H135s (two delivered so far) and then form 12 Escuadrilla with helicopters being delivered over the next few years. In keeping with Spanish Navy tradition, when a new type is introduced into service then a new squadron is created, hence why the new H135s are 12 Escuadrilla and not 6 Escuadrilla. 

The AB212 which are in use with 3 Escuadrilla will be withdrawn from active service in July 2024 and then be replaced by NH90s which will start to be delivered in early 2025, the NH90s will form 14 Escuadrilla. The NH90s are now in testing at Airbus Helicopters Albacete Spain and this new type will perform a wider range of missions than the AB212, these will include anti-surface, recce, transport and Search And Rescue (SAR), aircraft configured for SAR will be equipped with floats, winch and a new camera system. During late 2024 NH90s will require Naval certification to perform the new missions required. Once the NH90 comes into service the withdrawn AB212s will be moved over to the Spanish Army for them to use.

The SH-60s have been used as a transition trainer, preparing the H369 qualified pilots for more advanced helicopter flying, training and anti-submarine missions on the operational AB212s. Currently 5 Escuadrilla fly the SH-60F, their mission is amphibious assualt and has no anti-submarine capability. The SH-60Bs of 10 Escuadrilla have full anti submarine capability. During 2026 FLOAN will recieve it's first of 8 MH-60R from the USA, their primary mission will be anti-submarine warfare.

Fixed Wing Aircraft

Spain is one of the few remaining countries to still operate the EAV8B/TAV8B "Matador II" (Harrier/AV8B), with Italy and the United States slowly replacing their ageing AV8Bs with the Lockheed Martin F-35 lightning II. Operated by 9 Escuadrilla at Rota the Matador still a potent ground attack aircraft is often deployed worldwide aboard the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos 1.The Matador II has been in operation with the Spanish Navy since 1983 and has been receiving upgrades since 2000 onwards. The Ce550/560 (Cessna Citation II) is a small light weight VIP transport carrying up to 10 persons (two pilots & eight passengers) and operated by 4 Escuadrilla, these transports can often be seen at various locations worldwide.

Rota Naval Station continues to serve as one of the Spanish military major front line bases and it's continued partnership with the co-located United States Navy means that joint operations in Mediterranean Sea, North Africa and the Middle East can be performed very quickly. The FLOANs continued investment into new rotary types means that the men and women who serve are provided with best that Spain can offer in the future.

AviationReporting would like thank the Defence Attache Madrid, Communications department FLOAN, Lt J Nienti our tour guide and instructor with 6 Escuadrilla and the additional guides provided by 3, 5 and 10 Escuadrilla and Edward Davision for all the interviews with the wonderful staff on base.

Photography Mark Forest & Robert Leech

Author Christopher Hipkin