Aldabra V unites forces for ocean security   |14 May 2026

A souvenir photograph

By Sunny Esparon

 The Seychelles Defence Forces and EUNavfor Atalanta have officially launched Exercise Aldabra V, the fifth edition of the joint maritime security drill, running from May 13–18, 2026. The exercise aims to strengthen cooperation against evolving maritime threats in the Western Indian Ocean while enhancing knowledge-sharing among partners.

At the opening ceremony held at the Perseverance Military Training and Support Centre, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Archil Mondon explained that Aldabra has evolved in response to changing threats in the region. “It will cover different aspects,” he said. “One will be the legal aspect for different maritime operations. Another is surveillance and intelligence for how information related to maritime threats is passed and analysed to the RCOC. They have the necessary software for intelligence and the participants will get a chance in training for this and how it works. As for the operational aspect, there will be training for officers of SDF who conduct operations and missions at sea where there will be the sharing of knowledge.”

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