The Logistics Transport of the Army, “The Spanish Way,” docked on the morning of Saturday at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to unload heavy vehicles and cargo intended for the events commemorating the Day of the Armed Forces 2025, scheduled to occur between June 3 and 8.
The Chief General of the General Staff of the Canary Islands, Ramón Armada Vázquez, was present during the unloading alongside the ship’s commander, frigate captain Miguel Ángel Fernández Sastre, who also inspected the vessel to observe how the transport was conducted from the Peninsula.
Among the equipment unloaded were the RG-31 and URO VAMTAC ST5 vehicles of High Protection from the Air and Space Zapadores Paratroopers Squadron, both from Murcia; as well as the Toyota Land Cruiser PM from the Military Police Battalion of the Army, located in Valencia.
From Córdoba, the CC Leopardo, VCI Pizarro, and VCZ Castor from Brigade “Guzmán El Bueno” X arrived, while Zaragoza contributed the VRC Centaur from the Cavalry Regiment “Spain” No. 11, as detailed in a press release from the Command of the Canary Islands.
The arrival of these vehicles signifies ongoing preparations for the events planned in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in honour of the Armed Forces Day, occurring from June 3 to 8.
One of the vehicles arriving in Tenerife / Ed
Armed Forces Day 2025
The Canary Islands will serve as the focal point for honouring the Armed Forces for the second time since 1986, when then Prince Felipe paraded as a Cadet Knight of the General Military Academy.
Between June 3 and 8, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will host a week of events in celebration of Armed Forces Day, an occasion that, since 1978, aims to connect society with the military’s dedication to the defence of peace, liberty, and national sovereignty.
The main event, presided over by Their Majesties Los Reyes, will occur on June 7 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 11:30 am, featuring an aerial and motorized foot parade with over 3,200 military personnel. On this day and throughout the week’s events, the participation of military units from the archipelago and others from the mainland will be showcased.
The Canary Islands Command of the Army will take part with its units: the ‘Tenerife’ 49 Infantry Regiment, the regular group of Melilla No. 52, and the third ‘Duke of Alba’ No. 2 of the Legion of Ceuta.
Additionally, a group of honour from the Royal Guard, a Battalion from the Navy, a squad from the Air and Space Army, a company from the Military Emergency Unit, and a Battalion of the Civil Guard will participate.
Regarding the aerial display, a total of 34 aircraft and 21 helicopters will participate, including the Eagle Patrol and Aspa Patrol.
Numerous vehicles departing from the port of Santa Cruz / Ed
Event Programme
For the remaining days, Santa Cruz de Tenerife will feature a variety of interesting activities, ranging from the inauguration of static exhibitions of equipment at the port esplanades by the campaign artillery regiment No. 93 to dynamic displays on land, sea, and in the air.
Additionally, there will be a Military Music Meeting on June 5, organised by the Canary Islands Air Command, featuring participation from seven musical units: the Music Unit of the Royal Guard, the Music Unit of the Canary Islands, and others, including the Municipal Band of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
This will allow visitors to enjoy dynamic exhibitions, including canine demonstrations, medical evacuations, personal defence displays, artillery position entries, children’s activities, zip lines, and climbing areas, as well as a hot air balloon.
A total of 935 military personnel will be actively involved in these activities in Santa Cruz, alongside the deployment of vessels such as the ‘Juan Carlos I’ and the ‘Álvaro de Bazán’ frigate.
The festivities for Armed Forces Day will conclude with the Flag and Clausura Arriado of the Static Exhibition on Sunday, June 8, at 2:00 pm on Maritime Avenue.
The other capital city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, will witness an Aeronaval exhibition on Maritime Avenue on June 6, alongside an aerial, amphibious, and land display organised by the Canary Islands Naval Command. The Armed Forces and the Civil Guard will deploy 14 vessels and 23 aircraft on the beach at Las Alcaravaneras.
The capital of Gran Canaria will also host static and dynamic exhibitions, enabling the public to learn about the activities undertaken by the Army, the Navy, the Air and Space Army, the Civil Guard, and the Military Emergency Unit, according to information from the Canary Islands Command.
