The frigate ‘Navarra’ (F-85) conducts joint exercises with the Kenyan Navy during its stopover in Mombasa

These activities strengthen bilateral ties between Spain and Kenya, while promoting maritime security in the western Indian Ocean  

The frigate ‘Navarra’ (F-85) has participated in various bilateral cooperation and diplomatic activities during its stopover in the Port of Mombasa, Kenya, as part of EUNAVFOR Operation ‘Atalanta’.

In this context, the ‘Navarra’, which is deployed in the Indian Ocean as the flagship of the aforementioned operation, has carried out a series of coordination, training and cooperation activities with the Kenyan Navy to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance maritime surveillance in this area.

‘Beyond increasing the training level capacities, the objective is to verify the degree of interoperability in maritime security operations in the region, as well as to exchange experiences. Without a doubt, the results were overwhelmingly positive,’ said Lieutenant Commander Valentín Calvar Cerecedo, Commander of the frigate.

During these operational activities, a simulated boarding exercise was conducted, in which Kenyan navy personnel put into practice their boarding, search and documentation verification procedures on board the ‘Navarra’, which acted as a target ship and shared procedures in this operational area.

At the end of the stopover, the frigate ‘Navarra’ conducted an exercise at sea with the Kenyan Navy patrol ship KNS ‘Shupavu’, which was manufactured in Spain.

Onboard ship visit

Among the visits and meetings held on board during this stopover, the Spanish ambassador to Kenya, Jaime Alejandro Moreno Bau, travelled from Nairobi to visit the ship and discuss with its crew.

Moreover, the Force Commander of EUNAVFOR Operation ‘Atalanta’, Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz, accompanied by Commander Calvar, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff of the Kenyan Navy, Major General Paul Otieno. During this meeting, they shared their thoughts on maritime security in the region and agreed on the need to continue working together to improve bilateral relations, increase interoperability and exchange information.

Finally, a delegation of cadets from the Kenyan Naval Academy visited the Spanish frigate. During their stay on board, they received a detailed explanation of the European Union operation, highlighting its role in protecting merchant ships and combating piracy in the Horn of Africa. The students also had the opportunity to tour the ship and learn about the frigate’s capabilities to carry out its mission.

The frigate ‘Navarra’ (F-85) in Operation ‘Atalanta’

The ‘Navarra’ ship joined EUNAVFOR Operation ‘Atalanta’ on 11 June, after taking over the frigate ‘Reina Sofía’ (F-84) in Djibouti. As part of the Spanish Navy’s 41st Escort Squadron, the ‘Navarra’ is based in Rota, Cádiz. Last year, it celebrated 30 years of service in the Navy, and this is the sixth time it has been deployed as part of the European counter-piracy operation.

More than 220 military personnel are on board, including a Shipborne Air Unit (with an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter and a SCAN EAGLE unmanned aircraft vehicle), a Marine Corps Security Task Force and members of the operation’s Defence Staff, under the command of Rear Admiral Vázquez.

Operation ‘Atalanta’ is the result of a series of UN resolutions adopted following the increase in acts of piracy in the Indian Ocean since 2005. With Spain’s support, it became the first European Union naval operation deployed under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), as agreed on by the EU Council in November 2008.

At the end of 2024, the Council of the EU approved the extension of the operation’s mandate until 28 February 2027, reflecting the achievements made and the future challenges. Throughout this time, the area of operations has been expanded in successive mandates and currently includes the Gulf of Aden and neighbouring countries, including the port and city of Muscat (Oman), the Somali Basin, the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba.

As a sign of our commitment to security in the region, Spain has been the only European Union country to participate in a continuous manner in Operation Atalanta since its beginning 16 years ago.