Air-ground integration special operations course in Ghana has concluded

A group of military personnel from the Spanish Air and Space Force’s Parachute Engineer Squadron (EZAPAC) has completed a training exercise for personnel from the Ghana Air Force’s special operations unit as part of the EU SDI Gulf of Guinea mission. The Special Operations Squadron (SOS) is currently in its initial phase of development. As part of this process, EZAPAC instructors have provided instruction and training to its personnel focused on Air-Ground Integration (ALI) operations. ALI is an essential capability today. It provides the appropriate tools to optimize coordination between ground elements and air assets in highly complex operational scenarios.

Among the key areas addressed in this training were Combat Controller (CCT) capabilities, Joint Fires, and Personnel Recovery in hostile territory; areas that are fundamental to the planning, conduct, and sustainment of special air operations. 

In addition, the program has incorporated supplementary content on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Close Quarters Battle (CQB), Special Reconnaissance (SR), and Direct Action (DA), thereby enhancing the participants’ technical training. 

The training provided by EZAPAC has contributed to the gradual growth of SOS, providing the basic knowledge and tools needed to establish a foundation upon which to build its future operations.

After completing the training program, the EZAPAC members who participated shared their thoughts on the results achieved and the importance of this cooperation: “We conclude this phase with the satisfaction of having far exceeded our objectives, both professionally and personally. The work carried out by the team is reflected in the students’ solid technical progress, as their development and commitment have been consistent. For us, seeing that effort validated by the students’ recognition is the best reward.”

This initiative reflects Spain's commitment to military cooperation in West Africa within the European framework of the EU SDI Gulf of Guinea mission, which aims to strengthen the defense and security capabilities of partner countries in the region.

EU SDI GoG

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Decision 2023/1599 established this European military cooperation initiative in Africa, which received Spain’s explicit support. Its main objective is to collaborate in the development of Armed Forces capable of containing and responding to the pressure exerted by armed terrorist groups in the West African countries where this cooperation is established: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

Since October 2024, following a planning process at the European level, Spain has actively participated in person in the EU SDI GoG. To date, Spanish military personnel have conducted several training courses in Benin, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. In terms of content, the training has covered a wide, always in accordance with the interests of the Armed Forces of the African countries involved.