The first phase of the operation ran from March 20 to July 10, during which the Air Force detected nearly 18,000 vessels.

This current deployment of the Air Force is set to continue until November 27.

In addition to its primary goals, the mission also focuses on fighting drug trafficking, monitoring fishing activities, controlling maritime pollution, and overseeing maritime traffic.

In this initial phase, 14 vessels were linked to illegal immigration, leading to the identification of 202 migrants and the involvement of 428 vessels in various illicit activities over a total of 320 flight hours.

This mission aims to safeguard human life, prevent illegal migration, and combat human trafficking, as well as the smuggling of goods and arms.

The 'Joint Operation Índalo 2024' is a significant mission organized by the FRONTEX Agency, based in Málaga, Spain.

Currently, the Portuguese Air Force personnel from the 'Elephants' squadron have begun the second phase of the Mediterranean surveillance mission using a C-295M aircraft.