VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles Defence Forces and the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta officially launched Exercise Aldabra V, the fifth edition of the joint maritime security drill, running from May 13 to 18, 2026, with the aim of strengthening cooperation against evolving threats across the Western Indian Ocean. The exercise opened at the Perseverance Military Training and Support Centre and brings together personnel from Seychelles and international partners including Spain, England, Canada, and the Combined Maritime Force based in Bahrain. Twenty-one Seychellois soldiers are participating in this year’s edition alongside the multinational force.
The drill holds direct significance for Seychelles, whose vast exclusive economic zone spans approximately 1.4 million square kilometres of ocean and represents a critical artery for global trade, regional food security, and the national fishing industry. Persistent threats including piracy, armed robbery at sea, illicit fishing, and trafficking continue to test the capacity of any single nation to respond effectively alone. Exercises such as Aldabra V strengthen the Seychelles Defence Forces’ readiness and interoperability with allied partners, providing a concrete line of defence for Seychellois livelihoods and maritime sovereignty.
Lieutenant Colonel Archil Mondon explained that this year’s exercise covers three core areas: the legal framework governing different maritime operations, intelligence surveillance including the use of specialist software to gather and analyse information passed to the Regional Coordination of Operations Centre, and operational training for SDF officers who conduct missions at sea, according to remarks at the opening ceremony. This year’s edition notably includes not only SDF personnel but also representatives from the Seychelles Fishing Authority, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Regional Coordination of Operations Centre, broadening its scope beyond purely military engagement.
The Aldabra series has evolved steadily since its inception, adapting in response to the changing threat landscape of the Western Indian Ocean. International Liaison Officer Commander Juan Rengel of Operation Atalanta stressed the importance of unity, describing the exercise as building a fundamental truth that true strength lies in interoperability and unity of effort. Lieutenant Colonel David Arrisol highlighted Aldabra’s growing role as a platform for cooperation and professional exchange, noting that the collaboration between the SDF and EU NAVFOR reflects a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect.
The exercise combines seminars, intelligence training, and joint operations at sea, with particular emphasis on exchanging expertise and best practices. As Lieutenant Colonel Arrisol noted, such exercises provide an opportunity to refine coordination, improve procedures, and reinforce the collective approach required to safeguard maritime space and protect the interests of nations and their people. The inclusion of civilian agencies alongside military personnel reflects a growing recognition that effective maritime security requires a whole-of-government response rather than a purely defence-led one.
Exercise Aldabra V runs until May 18 and is expected to produce concrete improvements in the coordination and operational readiness of all participating forces.
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