Military Cooperation: Morocco Participates in NATO’s Sea Guardian Operation

Morocco has participated in NATO’s Sea Guardian Operation, the task group having recently completed its sixth targeted maritime patrol of the year in the western Mediterranean and off the Strait of Gibraltar.

It was the Moroccan royal frigate of the SIGMA 9813 class, Sultan Moulay Ismaïl that participated in NATO’s Sea Guardian operation, known as “FOCOPS 23-6” and aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Mediterranean.

It was the sixth focused maritime patrol of the year in the Western Mediterranean Sea and off the Strait of Gibraltar.

The FOCOPS 23-6 involved monitoring maritime traffic along major sea lines of communication, collecting data on patterns-of-life, and fostering cooperation with NATO partners, including Morocco.

Ships, submarines, and aircraft of 8 NATO nations directly supported the Operation Sea Guardian throughout the year 2023 with a total of 379 sailing days and 86 air sorties flown, reported the specialized UK Defence Journal.

Embarked on board the Spanish frigate ESPS Santa Maria, a NATO staff led by Commander Francisco Garcia Flores (ESP N) spent 16 days at sea, visiting 7 vessels and investigating 1146 different ships.

During these patrols, the flagship was supported by submarines and maritime patrol aircraft from Portugal and Spain. OSG Task Group executed passing exercises (PASSEX) with vessels, including the Royal Moroccan SIGMA 9813 class frigate Sultan Moulay Ismail (614), NATO said in a press release. These exercises covered various warfare areas, including tactical communication and advanced maneuvering, furthering cooperation between navies and enhancing coordination and interoperability. The engagements with NATO Partners, including Morocco, underscored the importance of these vital operations in strengthening maritime security in the Mediterranean, the press release said.