The French Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy launched the annual Chebec exercise on September 11, marking a key milestone in bilateral naval cooperation, according to an official statement from the French Embassy in Morocco. The drills feature joint training operations between Toulon and Tanger, including the deployment of a French nuclear attack submarine.
Established in 1994, the Chebec exercise highlights the long-standing operational partnership between France and Morocco. While the drills originally focused on maritime security and safety, current iterations train participating crews across a wide range of combat disciplines.
Real-World Training from Toulon to Tanger
Crews began their preparations at the Toulon naval base and the Hyères naval aeronautical base before transitioning to real-world exercises spanning the waters between Toulon and Tanger. A major highlight of this year’s deployment is the exceptional participation of a French Navy nuclear attack submarine, which allowed both forces to sharpen their capabilities in anti-submarine warfare.
Following days of intensive drills across the Mediterranean Sea, the French stealth light frigate Guépratte and the Moroccan frigate Tarik Ben Ziyad are scheduled to dock in Tanger beginning September 30.
High-Level Bilateral Leadership and Joint Patrols
The Tanger port stop will feature a high-profile “VIP Day” copresaride by Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, and Vice Admiral Laurent Hermann, Commander of the Mediterranean Maritime Zone for the French Navy. Both commanders will review the results of the high-level operational sequence during their meeting.
Once the vessels leave Tanger, the two navies will conduct a joint operational patrol in the Alboran Sea. This phase tests shared procedures and capabilities within a combined maritime zone, designed to improve the readiness of both forces to plan, coordinate, and execute joint operations in response to potential maritime crises.
Did You Know? The annual Chebec naval exercise between France and Morocco was established in 1994, making it a foundational framework for bilateral operational cooperation and maritime security in the region.
Details on the Chebec 2024 naval exercise schedule and objectives
When did the Chebec 2024 exercise begin?
The exercise officially commenced on September 11, according to the French Embassy in Morocco.
Which specific warships are taking part in the port stop at Tanger?
The French stealth light frigate Guépratte and the Moroccan frigate Tarik Ben Ziyad are participating in the Tanger port visit starting September 30.
What is the primary operational objective of the joint Alboran Sea patrol?
The patrol aims to enhance the capacity of both navies to plan, coordinate, and execute joint operations so they can respond together to maritime crises if necessary.
How might these naval exercises influence future security coordination between France and Morocco?
What are your thoughts on how joint naval drills impact regional maritime stability?
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