Given the tensions with North Africa, the Ministry of Defense has confirmed the beginning of the procedures to make the Army increase its presence and performance in the southern part of Spain. Specifically, the first contract has been signed that begins the construction plans for new magazines in the Álvarez de Sotomayor Maneuver and Shooting Range (CTM)in Viator, Almería.
The signing of this contract has been communicated through the Southern Economic Affairs Intendance Headquarters. However, it does not mark the beginning of the construction of the magazines for the Army, but rather marks the beginning of preliminary technical studiesaccording to “Infodefensa”. Specifically, the “topographic survey and support for the drafting of the urbanization project for new powder magazines” will begin.
The contract represents the beginning of the study of the land prior to the construction of the powder magazines
For this mission, the Ministry of Defense has allocated a total budget of 18,000 euros and the tasks that the company in charge must carry out will be to evaluate that the physical conditions and characteristics of the land allow the construction of the facilities; organize distribution that these are going to occupy the area to guarantee its usefulness for the Army; analyze the earthworks necessary for the survey process and assess possible demolitions of existing infrastructure.
For all this, the leadership has granted a execution time of between 90 and 120 days and companies that are interested in carrying out the project must present their proposals until May 11, 2026. These companies must belong to the engineering sector and have three years of minimum experience in the construction of similar projects.
The powder magazines will have sanitation networks and a “renewable generation” system
These companies must also design a access network for heavy vehicles and have delimited pedestrian areas and establish a perimeter fence. For the construction of the magazines, they must have a electrical grid with “renewable generation” systems and high energy efficiency, especially in outdoor lighting. Likewise, the facilities must have sanitation networks equipped with spill separators, and have centralized telecommunications and fire protection systems.
The location chosen for the construction of this project is located within the municipality of Viator, between 11 and 12 kilometers away from the city of Almería. Although the exact extent of the land is not yet known, sources provide figures ranging from 2,000 to 6,300 hectares, according to “Infodefensa.” Therefore, it is believed that, due to the characteristics that the facilities will present, they will be able to accommodate more than 5,000 troops.
Home to the Legion’s largest unit since 1995
The historical origin of the Álvarez de Sotomayor Maneuver and Shooting Range (CTM) dates back to 1911 and to operations in Africa, as artillery general Fernando Álvarez de Sotomayor saw the need to create a training space for the Spanish Army in an area with geographical and climatic characteristics similar to those of North Africa. However, the general died before the construction of the military base, which was officially inaugurated on July 21, 1924.
Later, in 1995, and thanks to a restructuring of the Army, this base became the main headquarters of the King Alfonso XIII Brigade of the Legionaccording to “Infodefensa”. This has more than 2,000 troops, making it the largest unit in The Legion. At the base, they have a wide variety of facilities, including shooting ranges, practice areas for combat vehiclesareas intended for practicing explosives deactivation and combat ranges in simulated urban environments. A long list to which the powder kegs will be added.