Spain, Exciting Parachuting Display in the Canaries

The beautiful beach of Santa Cruz de La Palma, in the Canary Islands, was the stage yesterday morning for an exciting display by the Patrulla Acrobática de Paracaidismo del Ejército del Aire y del Espacio (PAPEA), part of the Spanish Air Force. In a clear and bright sky, the military parachutists showcased their acrobatic skills, carrying with them some of the flags most cherished by the public: the flag of Spain, that of the Canary Islands, and, in a particularly symbolic moment, the flag of the Virgen de Las Nieves, patroness of the island.

The event successfully combined spectacle and devotion, capturing the attention of residents and tourists, who gathered in large numbers to witness the display. At the end of the aerial demonstration, attendees also witnessed a maritime rescue exercise conducted by the 802 Escuadrón SAR Internacional, demonstrating the efficiency and operational readiness of the Spanish forces in emergency scenarios.

PAPEA, Spanish Excellence in Parachuting

Officially founded on June 15, 1978, PAPEA is the longest-standing among all acrobatic teams of the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio. For over four decades, this prestigious unit has represented Spain in skies around the world, combining sporting skill, competitive spirit, and military dedication.

Papea in numbers:

• 93 parachutists have been part of the team in its history, including 11 women (the first integrated as early as 1997).
• More than 200,000 jumps performed.
• Over 900 displays throughout Spain, drawing spectacular formations in the sky that thrill and enchant the audience.

Main objectives of PAPEA:

• Represent Spain and the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio in national and international displays and competitions.
• Serve as a base for the selection of personnel for the Equipo Nacional de Paracaidismo.
• Be a test unit for parachutes, providing technical knowledge to support the Escuela Militar de Paracaidismo.

The sporting nature and competitive spirit, distinctive traits since its inception, have led PAPEA to consistently rank among the top 10 parachuting teams in the world.

802 Escuadrón SAR: 365 Days a Year on the Front Line

In parallel, the 802 Escuadrón SAR Internacional, stationed at the Base Aérea de Gando (Gran Canaria), carries out a fundamental mission: ensuring search and rescue operations (SAR – Search and Rescue) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Its crews, ready to take off in record time with the CN-295 (D-4) aircraft and HD-21 helicopters, intervene in critical situations, such as:

• Locating distressed aircraft in the international airspace under Spanish responsibility.
• Rescuing people in danger at sea and on land.
• Collaborations with civilian and military forces in case of natural disasters or accidents.
• Urgent transport of organs for transplants and medical evacuation of injured or sick people.

Tradition and Innovation United in the Sky

The event in Santa Cruz de La Palma combined religious tradition and respect for the Virgen de Las Nieves with the demonstration of the extraordinary technical and operational capabilities of the Spanish armed forces. A day that will remain etched in the memory of the spectators, a symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism.