Amid border tensions with Spain, Great Britain has sent to Gibraltar 10 warships of the Royal Fleet including an aircraft carrier, two frigates and support ships. Great Britain says Spain caused several hour long traffic queues at Spain – Gibraltar border. London is also displeased with the plans of Madrid to raise border crossing fee. Spain has also accused Gibraltar of oppressive measures against Spanish fishermen and has threatened with plans to strengthen the border and to forbid Gibraltar plains cross the airspace of Spain.
Both Great Britain and Spain are NATO members though Spain which joined the alliance 1982 is not involved in NATO military structure.
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. The territory was ceded to Britain "in perpetuity" under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.