TEHRAN, April 24 - The Spanish military tried to impress European and NATO officials with a series of exercises at sea near Cadiz on Monday, as competition steps up to take over the UK's defense responsibilities post-Brexit.
Defense Minister Maria Dolores de Cospedal watched from the Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier as Harrier jets took off and special forces retook a 'pirate' vessel at sea.
Spain has made a joint bid with its neighbor France to make Rota naval base the command-and-control center for EU defense missions, taking the place of the UK's military headquarters at Northwood.
Italy is also trying to secure the backing of the EU-bloc. A final decision will be made by next month, according to European officials.
Source: Ruptly