A list of flags of the Republic of the Balearic Islands:
A workhorse of the various operators within the Balearic Islands Defence Force, including the Air Force, Navy and Coastguard is the PZL M28 Skytruck. In order to make efficiency savings, the Defence Force has sought lower cost, compact aircraft than can be used in multiple roles, such as the M28. This is used by the Air Force in a utility transport role for cargo, troops, parachute ops and humanitarian missions. With the Navy, the M28 is a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), also used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), hence the inclusion of the MAD boom on the tail. The Coastguard operates the aircraft in a similar configuration to the Navy, but with reduced systems and offensive capability as it used primarily for fisheries patrol and search and rescue (SAR), and in support of Frontex (European Border & Coast Guard Agency) missions across the Mediterranean.
The Balearic Islands Defence Force identified key capability gaps in airborne electronic systems, including ISR, EW and AEW. The Britten Norman Defender is an ideal compact aircraft to perform these roles for a small nation. Although procured in limited numbers and not as capable as much larger platforms, such as Sentinel, Sentry, Poseidon or Wedgetail, this has provided a comparatively low cost defensive boost to the Air Force.
Turning to helicopters, the Leonardo (ex AgustaWestland) AW149/AW189 is used by the Air Force and Coastguard. The Air Force use this aircraft mainly for troop transport, whilst with the Coastguard, this provides the primary rotary wing search and rescue (SAR) capability for the coastline and waters surrounding the islands, as well as frequently in support of inland missions. These are spread over various bases across the islands to provide maximum SAR coverage with minimum response times.
The AW169 is the smaller cousin, which is used by both the defence force and civilian services. In service with the Navy, the aircraft is operated from both land and at sea - on the Navy's corvettes and frigates. The AW169 also provides an air ambulance service and police response. A number were also procured for use in the Civil Protection / Civil Defence service, providing a boost to inland SAR capability, medical response and aiding with forest firefighting.
Some more Pilatus PC-24 operators include the Balearic Islands Health Service (Servei Salut de les Illes Balears), with the aircraft providing a specialist medevac service transferring patients around the islands, or collecting citizens from abroad. The national airline, SETAC, also uses the aircraft for flight training and occasional charter services.
