On October 19, 2026, Spain has officially signed a contract aimed at maintaining the communication equipment of three military garrisons situated on islets claimed by Morocco. This includes the prominent rock of Al Hoceima, which is located a mere 700 meters from Moroccan shores. The Spanish government has entrusted the maintenance work to a specialized company, ensuring that their military operations remain well-supported in this strategically important area.
The Spanish Ministry of Defense has awarded a contract worth €37,416 for the upkeep of telescopic masts that support communication antennas located on the rocks of Al Hoceima, Vélez de la Gomera, and the Chafarinas Islands. This contract, which was awarded on September 24, was made public on October 19 in the Official State Gazette of Spain.
Strategic Military Installations Close to Moroccan Coast
These military positions are in close proximity to the Moroccan coastline, with the rock of Al Hoceima sitting just 700 meters offshore. The rock of Vélez de la Gomera is situated 138 kilometers west of Melilla and is directly connected to Morocco via a narrow strip of land, while the Chafarinas Islands form an archipelago of three islands located off the coast of Ras El Ma. Spain maintains a permanent military presence on these territories, which Morocco claims sovereignty over. The telescopic masts are crucial for raising antennas to ensure reliable communication for military detachments. The acquisition of these masts was initiated back in 2021 as part of an effort to enhance the equipment of these positions, as noted by Europa Press.
The contract was won by Hispamast, a specialized company based in Campo Real, Madrid. This company was the sole bidder for this simplified tender, with the price being the only criterion for selection according to official documents. Notably, Hispamast is already familiar with these installations, having secured a previous maintenance contract for the same sites in June 2025 for €59,750. The new contract marks a significant reduction in cost, amounting to €22,334 less than the previous year’s agreement.
Ongoing Maintenance of Military Infrastructure
The communication masts are just part of the broader infrastructure that the Spanish military regularly maintains on these islets. The Spanish government has allocated specific budgets for the upkeep of electrical installations, water supply systems, and generators necessary for the operations of the garrisons. These investments reflect Spain's commitment to ensuring operational readiness in the face of regional tensions and territorial claims.
As reported by bladi.net.
