Two Royal Swedish Navy CB90 Fast Assault craft that are currently embarked in the EU Naval Force flagship, HNLMS Johan de Witt, have carried out their first tasking since joining the EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta in February.
One of their key roles is to conduct surveillance operations along the Somali coastline where pirates have previously been known to operate. The craft will also be used to conduct friendly approaches with local fishermen and if required, boarding operations against vessels suspected of being involved in piracy.
Extensively used by Swedish Forces in their own waters, this is the first time that the CB90 Fast Assault Craft has been used as part of Operation Atalanta.
Prior to deploying to the Indian Ocean, the CB90s and their crews went through an extensive period of operational sea training.