A Spanish Navy assault on Vigo with support from Harrier II Plus fighters and helicopters

Last Friday, on the occasion of Armed Forces Day, there was a large dynamic demonstration on Samil beach in Vigo.

A Spanish Navy Harrier II fighter spraying water on people in Vigo
A spectacular air-naval exhibition of the Spanish Navy in Vigo in images

At this event, the Spanish Navy demonstrated a sea and air beach assault, using Milpro SRMN 600 semi-rigid fast boats from the Amphibious Mobility Group (GRUMA), LCM-1E landing craft from the Naval Beach Group, and soldiers and VAMTAC vehicles from the Tercio de Armada (TEAR), from the amphibious aircraft carrier "Juan Carlos I" L-61, which was in the waters of the Vigo Estuary.

This assault was supported by air support from two EAV-8B+ Harrier II Plus fighters from the 9th Squadron, two SH-60B Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters from the 10th Squadron, and two H135 P3H Nival light helicopters from the 12th Squadron. Two years ago, the Spanish Navy conducted a demonstration landing on the same beach, but with fewer aircraft.

Below you can see a video showing how this assault exercise unfolded, watched from the promenade and the sand of the aforementioned beach by thousands of people:

You can see some photos of this assault demonstration here. There are more photos on my Flickr account.

An SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from the 10th Squadron launching flares as it approaches the beach. The flares are used as a decoy to divert infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), as these weapons seek out heat sources such as the helicopter's engines.

Two LCM-1E landing craft sailing through the Vigo estuary towards Samil beach. In the background, we see one of the Spanish Navy's F-100 frigates and, to the right, an ocean patrol vessel of the Civil Guard.

An SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from the 10th Squadron armed with a 12.7mm caliber GAU-16 machine gun on its cargo door to provide fire support to the landing force.

Five VAMTAC ST5 tactical vehicles already on Samil beach. In the center we see a unit of the ST5-MSV mortar carrier version with an 81mm Eimos mortar.

A light helicopter H135 P3H Nival of the 12th Squadron, carrying soldiers from the TEAR on board.

Two H135 P3H Nival light helicopters from the 12th Squadron arriving at Samil beach during the assault.

An EAV-8B+ Harrier II Plus fighter jet from the 9th Squadron making a quick low-altitude pass over Samil beach.