Morocco-UK: Joint regional exercises between the Royal Navies

HMS Cutlass, tasked with protecting the waters near Gibraltar alongside sister ship HMS Dragger, recently took part in regional exercises with the Royal Moroccan Navy off the coast of Tangier, highlighting efforts to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom and Morocco, according to several media reports.

This visit comes on the heels of the HMS Dagger’s trip to Tangier in May 2023, which laid the groundwork for deeper ties between the two royal navies.

The same source mentioned that the itinerary for HMS Cutlass’s visit was developed in “coordination with the Defence Attaché from the British Embassy in Rabat, who worked to ensure that the ship’s stop would be impactful and effectively utilize the Royal Moroccan Navy’s eagerness to engage in training with the Royal Navy.”

Lieutenant Commander Henry Kilby, the Commanding Officer of the Gibraltar Squadron, met with senior officials at the base, including Base Commander Captain Zitouni, Senior Captain Omari, the Commander of the Northern Maritime Sector, and Senior Colonel Htoto.

According to the Royal Navy, Lt Cdr Kilby emphasized “the significance of UK-Moroccan relations and discussed strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations and their navies.”

HMS Cutlass and Rodman GC-131 conducted a series of joint maneuvers and exercises in the strait, attended by Simon Martin, the UK Ambassador to Morocco.

During the training, he had the opportunity “to take the helm of the ship for part of the exercises, which included towing drills and Officer of the Watch maneuvers in close formation,” while HMS Cutlass also performed a “Formation Foxtrot,” sailing past the GC-131 and exchanging salutes.

“The professionalism, skill, and dedication demonstrated by both our Royal Navies throughout this exercise have been exemplary. It was a pleasure to witness the strength of UK – Morocco cooperation at sea,” said the British ambassador to Morocco.

From his part, the Commanding Officer of the Gibraltar Squadron expressed that he and his sailors had greatly enjoyed and valued “a fantastic opportunity to enhance our skills together with our Moroccan partners and friends.”