The OPV Rayo conducts joint exercises with the French amphibious assault ship FS Tonnerre

•  Este encuentro naval fortalece la interoperabilidad y cooperación en el Golfo de Guinea

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (BAM) Rayo has carried out a day of training with the French Navy ship FS Tonnerre. Specifically, they carried out approach manoeuvres for replenishment at sea (RAS) operations, a standardised procedure that allows fuel, supplies or equipment to be transferred between ships while they are sailing, without the need to enter port.

Likewise, boarding exercises have been conducted in non-cooperative scenarios within the framework of maritime interdiction operations. This bilateral training activity involved the detection, surveillance, and boarding of suspicious vessels to ensure maritime security and compliance with international law.

On the other hand, aerial operations were also carried out with aircraft on board the Tonnerre, specifically NH90 and AS365 Dauphin helicopters. These aircraft carried out multiple shots on the deck of the Rayo, which included a simulated medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). For the first time, an AS365 Dauphin helicopter landed on the deck of the Spanish ship.

In addition, there was an exchange of crews. During these meetings on board, the Spanish sailors were able to see first-hand the capabilities of the French ship, while the French sailors did the same on board the Spanish ship. This initiative served to strengthen the ties and spirit of camaraderie between the two crews.

All in all, this day has allowed us to carry out various exercises that strengthen interoperability between allied navies, as well as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea within the framework of the European Union's Coordinated Maritime Presences.

Lieutenant Commander José Antonio Parejo Cabezas, commander of the BAM Rayo, emphasised that ‘it has been a magnificent opportunity for mutual training with a friendly and allied country, which has also allowed our ship to practise in areas of capability beyond those we are developing in this mission.’

Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP) of the European Union

This deployment of the OPV Rayo contributes to strengthening the European Union's Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP) initiative off the West Coast of Africa and in the Gulf of Guinea, as an effective tool for improving maritime security in the region and advancing cooperation between the EU and the states of West and Central Africa.

Since 2012, Spain, as a fully committed partner in European security and defense, has been one of the main contributors to this European initiative.