The Royal Moroccan Navy and the Spanish Navy recently conducted joint military exercises in the strategic waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea, under the aegis of NATO's SeaGuardian operation. The exercises aimed to bolster regional maritime security and address threats from terrorism and other maritime dangers. Taking part in these maneuvers were the Moroccan frigate «Tariq Ibn Ziyad» and the Spanish frigate «Reina Sofia». The navies executed tactical drills and simultaneous ship visit and inspection operations, all designed to strengthen military collaboration and enhance operational readiness in their shared maritime zones. Earlier this week, the «Reina Sofia» made an official port call in Tangier, where it was welcomed by Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, along with Moroccan and Spanish military and diplomatic dignitaries. The visit offered insights into the frigate's equipment and the technical and training prowess of its crew, alongside discussions on advancing cooperation in maritime security. The «Tariq Ibn Ziyad» frigate stands as one of the Royal Moroccan Navy's most sophisticated vessels, boasting a range of combat systems and capabilities in surveillance, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare. This makes it a pivotal asset in safeguarding crucial maritime routes in the Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar. Conversely, the «Reina Sofia» is among the oldest active frigates in the Spanish fleet, with a distinguished service record in international missions. Notably, it has participated in Operation Atalanta in the Indian Ocean, securing World Food Programme ships and combating piracy. The frigate has also been a recurrent participant in NATO and European Union operations across the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans.
