The French Navy's Guépratte light stealth frigate and the Royal Moroccan Navy's Tarik Ben Ziyad frigate are set to arrive in Tangier on September 30 as part of the ongoing CHEBEC naval exercise between France and Morocco. This joint training aims to enhance maritime security and cooperation between the two nations. The stopover in Tangier will feature a VIP Day co-chaired by Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin and Vice Admiral Laurent Hermann.
The CHEBEC naval exercise, which began on September 11, is an annual event that has been taking place since 1994. Initially focused on maritime security and safety, the exercise has expanded to cover a wider range of naval warfare operations. This allows crews from both navies to train together in real operating conditions, improving their ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct joint operations.
The current edition of CHEBEC started with a preparatory phase at the Toulon naval base and the Hyères naval air base in southern France. The crews then participated in training at sea along the route between Toulon and Tangier. A French nuclear-powered attack submarine also took part in the exercise, enabling the two navies to expand their training in anti-submarine warfare.
Following the Tangier stopover, the two warships will conduct a joint operational patrol in the Alboran Sea. This patrol will put their procedures and capabilities to use in a shared maritime environment, further enhancing their cooperation and interoperability. The exercise is designed to ensure that the two forces can respond together, if necessary, to a crisis situation at sea.
The CHEBEC exercise is a significant part of the long-running operational cooperation between France and Morocco. According to the French Embassy in Morocco, the training aims to strengthen the ability of the two navies to work together effectively. This cooperation is essential for maintaining regional stability and security in the Mediterranean.
The visit to Tangier will provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the results of the latest operational phase. The event will be co-chaired by senior officials from both navies, highlighting the importance of this exercise. The CHEBEC naval exercise has been held annually since its creation and remains a key aspect of French-Moroccan military cooperation.
The ongoing CHEBEC exercise demonstrates the commitment of France and Morocco to enhancing their military cooperation. By conducting joint training exercises, the two navies can improve their interoperability and response to potential crises at sea. The exercise also underscores the strong bilateral relationship between France and Morocco, which is built on a long history of cooperation in various fields.
Key points
- The CHEBEC naval exercise between France and Morocco aims to enhance maritime security and cooperation between the two nations.
- The exercise has been held annually since 1994 and has expanded to cover a wider range of naval warfare operations.
- The current edition of CHEBEC features a joint operational patrol in the Alboran Sea, further enhancing the cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
