The Spanish Navy has dispatched three warships to Barcelona where they are to participate in the international boat show Saló Nàutic.
Two minesweepers and a frigate arrived to the capital city of Catalonia on Tuesday ahead of the start of the show on October 11.
The arrival of the vessels coincides with the first public address of Catalan president Carles Puigdemont in the Catalan Parliament since political tensions rose in the wake of the Catalan referendum. The leader is expected to announce whether he will be pushing for independence or not.
The presence of ESPS Navarra and ESPS Segura and Sella was planned well before the political tensions in the region arose. Last year’s edition of the show hosted two Spanish Navy minesweepers with the only novelty this year being the presence of the Santa María-class frigate and her crew of 200.
An increased military presence in the region is notable however with army logistical units in the region and a large number of national police personnel embarked aboard two cruise ships docked in Barcelona.