Joint Naval Exercise in the Mediterranean
The Moroccan frigate Mohammed V and the Algerian frigate Erradii are currently navigating together in a military formation as part of the multinational exercise Phoenix Express 2026, which is being conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Sixth Fleet off the coast of Tunisia. This exercise marks a significant cooperative effort among several nations in the region, showcasing the importance of maritime security and collaboration.
Images released on September 15 by the US Navy reveal the presence of the Moroccan Royal Navy's frigate Mohammed V and the Algerian Navy's Erradii alongside a formation of six vessels. These photographs were captured just three days prior in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting the operational activities taking place.
The two North African vessels are operating in conjunction with the Turkish frigate Gaziantep, the Tunisian patrol vessel Sophonisbe, the French ship Achéron, and the Italian patrol vessel Vega. Notably, the Mohammed V, identified by hull number 611, is classified as a Floréal-class surveillance frigate, which plays a critical role in maritime operations.
This simultaneous deployment of the two frigates is particularly noteworthy given the historically strained relations between Rabat and Algiers. Diplomatic ties between the two nations were severed in August 2021, and their land border has remained closed since 1994. However, it is essential to clarify that this exercise does not represent bilateral maneuvers between Morocco and Algeria; instead, both navies are participating among a total of 13 countries involved in this multinational operation. The Royal Navy had also previously taken part in an earlier edition of Phoenix Express in 2021.
Operational Phase of Phoenix Express 2026
The naval phase of Phoenix Express 2026 commenced on September 11, with vessels departing from Tunisian bases located in Bizerte and La Goulette. Six of the thirteen participating countries have deployed ships: Morocco, Algeria, France, Italy, Tunisia, and Turkey. The crews are utilizing regional maritime operations centers to share real-time information and establish a common understanding of the maritime situation.
The training exercises focus on coordination between the ships and land-based centers, as well as responses to simulated maritime threats. Sponsored by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the exercise is being conducted under the leadership of the Sixth Fleet, which operates under the authority of U.S. naval forces in Africa. Military personnel from the other seven participating countries are engaged either on land or aboard the vessels involved.
As one of the key exercises organized by Washington in collaboration with North African navies, Phoenix Express underscores Morocco's ongoing cooperation with the US Navy, which includes several joint naval exercises conducted in the past.
Interestingly, this September exercise presents a unique scenario: despite the political rift between the two neighboring countries, the frigates Mohammed V and Erradii are navigating together in the same formation and engaging in identical maritime security scenarios. This cooperation, albeit in a controlled exercise environment, highlights the complexities of regional relationships and the overarching importance of maritime security.
As reported by bladi.net.
