Strengthening Naval Cooperation: The CHEBEC Exercise Between Morocco and France
The CHEBEC exercise, a collaborative naval initiative involving the Royal Moroccan Navy and the French Navy, commenced on September 11 and is set to enter a new phase with a scheduled stop in Tangier starting September 30. The frigates Tarik Ben Ziyad and Guépratte are expected to dock there after several days of training in the Mediterranean, specifically between Toulon and northern Morocco. This annual event, which has been organized since 1994, underscores the enduring naval cooperation between Morocco and France. Following this training sequence, both ships will conduct a joint operational patrol in the Alboran Sea to enhance their coordination and response capabilities in the event of a maritime crisis.
Expanding the Scope of CHEBEC Exercises
Before being deployed at sea, the crews underwent a preparatory phase at the naval base in Toulon and the naval aviation base in Hyères. The training continued under real conditions until reaching Tangier, focusing particularly on conducting joint operations in a shared environment between the two navies. The 2026 edition of the exercise is notably distinguished by the participation of a French attack submarine, which has facilitated advanced training in underwater combat—a complex domain that requires effective detection, tactical coordination, and real-time information sharing. Consequently, the exercise has evolved beyond mere maritime security and safety missions, now encompassing a broader range of operational scenarios.
As reported by lebrief.ma.