Dear reader,
The Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden continue to face a challenging security environment. In recent months, the resurgence of piracy activity off the coast of Somalia has once again highlighted the persistent nature of this threat. At the same time, the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the wider instability affecting the Red Sea are adding further complexity to the regional situation.
Against this backdrop, Operation ATALANTA remains fully focused on protecting vulnerable vessels transiting our area of operation. The cases involving the merchant vessels SIBU 1, HONOUR 25 and EUREKA remain a priority for the operation. We are closely following developments and maintaining contact with the relevant Somali authorities, police forces, and shipowners. This allows us to exchange information and, when required, make our capabilities available in support of these cases, in full coordination with the European Union External Action Service.
Furthermore, the disruption of the attempted attack on the MV GLAMOR, conducted in close cooperation with our Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) partners, demonstrated the value of early and coordinated action. It also reflected the shared determination of both forces to counter piracy.
Efforts at the strategic level have also intensified this month, with a number of highly productive high-level visits and meetings. In particular, discussions with the European External Action Service provided an opportunity to exchange views on the wider regional situation and ATALANTA’s role within the EU’s broader approach. Meetings with ECSA and INTERPOL, meanwhile, offered valuable opportunities to strengthen links with the maritime industry and law enforcement community, as well as to exchange information and perspectives on maritime security.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rear Admiral Paolo Fantoni on his outstanding work as Deputy Commander of the operation. He has been not only my closest confidant and advisor, but also a great friend. I extend a warm welcome to his successor, Rear Admiral Ostilio de Majo, and wish him every success in his new role.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander
On 2 September, the ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano held a virtual meeting with representatives of the EnMAR+ project. The meeting provided an opportunity to learn more about the project’s capabilities and explore areas for cooperation.
Funded by the European Union, EnMAR+ aims to enhance maritime security and governance in the Gulf of Guinea, the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean by strengthening EU’s engagement, coordination and visibility.
On 3 September, Rear Admiral Ostilio de Majo (Italy) took over as Deputy Commander of Operation ATALANTA from Rear Admiral Paolo Fantoni (Italy), who held the deputy command for the past 14 months. The event took place at the Operation Headquarters of the Operation in Rota.
The Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, congratulated Deputy Commander Fantoni for his outstanding contribution, commitment and friendship and expressed his best wishes for professional and personal success. In addition, Vice Admiral Villanueva warmly welcomed Rear Admiral de Majo as the upcoming Deputy Commander, highlighting his extraordinary experience and outstanding professional skills.
On 16 September, the ATALANTA Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Ostilio de Majo participated in the MARSEC26 exercise, conducted from 14 to 17 September in Finland.
The EU's third annual maritime security exercise was focused on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and strengthening cooperation among Member States and EU agencies. The exercise brought together maritime authorities, military and civilian actors, EU agencies and commercial shipping.
Participants tested information sharing and operational procedures, including through the Common Information Sharing Environment - CISE, as well as joint vessel boarding and securing operations.
MARSEC EU 26 demonstrates the importance of exercising together to strengthen maritime situational awareness, interoperability and preparedness for real world incidents.
On 16 September, the ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, travelled to Brussels to present the Operation’s six-monthly report to the European Union Military Committee (EUMC). The visit also provided an opportunity to hold a number of important meetings with key interlocutors.
Discussions with Mr. Cosmin Dobran, Director of the Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management Directorate at the European External Action Service (EEAS), focused on the current maritime security situation, including the recent piracy incidents.
The productive and crucial cooperation between the shipping industry and ATALANTA and their protection during their transit in the Western Indian Ocean was at the core of the conversation with Mr. Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Community Shipowners´ Association (ECSA).These engagements provided an opportunity to exchange views on the current situation and further support the implementation of Operation ATALANTA’s mandate across the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
Following the visit to Brussels, the Operation Commander travelled to Lyon (France) on 17 September to meet with representatives of INTERPOL at the organisation’s headquarters.
During the meeting, operational discussions were held to deepen cooperation, strengthening this key partnership in support of regional maritime security.
Participants from INTERPOL side included the Executive Director Investigation Support, Mr. Stephen Fry; the Counter Terrorism Director, Ms. Maria Carmen Muñoz González; and different project leaders from the Maritime Security Program.
Sharing information with key partners is of the utmost importance to achieving results.
From 21 to 22 September, Operation ATALANTA Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, participated in the BIMCO Maritime Security Symposium, held in Bagsværd, Denmark.
During his presentation, the Operation Commander emphasised how trust and close cooperation between naval forces and the shipping industry support effective piracy suppression, reinforcing the importance of strong civilian–military relations in counter-piracy operations. Timely information sharing, vessel reporting and self-protection measures, combined with naval operations and regional capacity building, remain essential to protecting seafarers and commercial shipping.
Opening with a reception and keynote address, the symposium featured presentations, panel discussions and Q&A sessions on great-power rivalry, war in the Black Sea, maritime drug trafficking, threats in the Red Sea, and Iran, Hormuz and maritime access. ATALANTA’s contribution highlighted the practical value of sustained dialogue between military and civilian partners in addressing these challenges.
On the 24th september, ATALANTA depurty commander Rear Admiral Ostilio de Majo visited met in person the ATALANTA Maritime Security Center Indian Ocean (MSCIO) staff, located in Brest (France). This center is fully integrated in the Combined Joint Operations branch (CJ3) in the ATALANTA OHQ.
He received a detailed presentation of MSCIO operations, including Initial Report management, warning-off procedures, registration outreach, and the increasing monitoring of vessels potentially exposed to piracy threats. Particular attention was given to the daily information-sharing, mainly via MERCURY platform, and the productive cooperation with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations - UKMTO, the Maritime Coordination and Awarenes Centre - MICA Center, and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.
In addition, Rear Admiral de Majo had also the opportunity to visit the MICA center, which shares the same facilities than MCSIO. He was briefed on the organisation, mission, capabilities, and information-sharing processes implemented in the centre.
On 10 September, ATALANTA FHQ and ORION Detachment staff meet onboard to coordinate the capabilities of the air assets deployed, the information-sharing process, and planned activities.
The full integration and deep acknowledge of the different ATALANTA elements under the FHQ command ensures the effectiveness and success of any mission faced in the area of operation.
On 10 September, ATALANTA was informed of the hijack of the merchant vessel GLAMOR, flying the flag of St Vincent and Grenadines. The Pirate Action Group (PAG) was composed by six individuals, and the incident took place approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Balhaf, Yemen.
Prior to the boarding, the crew of MV GLAMOR managed to stop the vessel and shut down its systems before proceeding to the citadel as a precautionary security measure.
ATALANTA redirected its assets in the area towards the location of the incident. In coordination with the Combined Maritime Forces, the Japanese reconnaissance aircraft, carried out show-of-force flights over the vessel. The presence of international forces approaching the area prompted the pirates to abandon the ship.
Following the arrival of ATALANTA flagship NUMANCIA, ATALANTA personnel boarded the vessel and met with the crew to assess the security situation on board and confirm that the ship had been liberated.
On 23 September, a six-member delegation from the European Parliament, led by Mrs Marta Temido, First Vice-President of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, visited ATALANTA forces deployed in Djibouti. The delegation was accompanied by H.E. Denisa-Elena Ionete, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti.
The visit began after a briefing on the various assets based at the French Air Base 188 “Colonel Massart,” with particular attention to the logistical support elements for Operation ATALANTA - SEA ATALANTA.
The visitors were also briefed on the ATALANTA DATA ORION means and capabilities, specially focusing on the ROLE 1 medical facility and the Mission Support Centre (CAM). The tour concluded with a visit of the D4 VIGMA aircraft, which had just returned from a maritime surveillance mission.
The visit enabled the EU representatives to see first-hand the work carried out by ATALANTA assets based in Djibouti and the capabilities they provide in support of the operation.
On 29 September, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vazquez, met the Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, Major General Michael Anselme Marc Rosette, in Port Victoria, Seychelles.
The Force Commander, on behalf of the Operation Commander, had the opportunity to brief Major General Rosette on the situation regarding the piracy incidents in the northern coast of Somalia. In addition, discussions about the joint exercises and operations conducted by both forces were held, in particular about the ongoing exercise ALDABRA V phase 2 and the upcoming 54th SHADE Indian Ocean scheduled on 25 and 26 November in Port Victoria.
From 26 to 29 September, Operation ATALANTA and Seychelles Armed Forces conducted the ALDABRA V phase 2 exercise in Seychelles. This phase brough together multiple assets and special operation teams from both forces in a real-life piracy scenario, putting in practice the tactics, techniques and procedures already trained during the phase I.
The exercise provided an excellent opportunity to bring together all the elements involved in an anti-piracy operation, fostering mutual understanding and trust, and defining joint actions to achieve the most effective results.
The ALDABRA V exercise concluded successfully and paved the way for the next edition of ALDABRA, strengthening the joint effort to improve maritime security in the region.
The ALDABRA V phase I exercise took part from 13 to 18 May 2026, and consisted of seminars, practical exercises on board the Seychelles Coast Guard patrol vessel ANDROMACHE, a simulated piracy case scenario led by RCOC alongside CRIMARIO, and activities with the TAZAR elite forces of the Seychelles Defence Forces.
ATALANTA flagship ESPS NUMANCIA reassured MV SWARD during her transit through the area of operation, following her liberation from a pirate active group on 11 September. MV SWARD had been hijacked near the Garacad area on 26 April 2026.
ATALANTA forces embarked on the merchant vessel and met the crew members, checking the security situation on board and gathering relevant information regarding the piracy incident.
ATALANTA remains fully committed to the protection of vulnerable vessels in the area of operation and encourages the implementation of the Best Management Practices for maritime security (BMP) as the most effective measure for secure navigation in the region.
In September, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA social media and website promoted the Maritime Security Centre - Indian Ocean (MSCIO) alerts and reports on the ongoing piracy cases and rest of incidents in the area of operation.
ATALANTA remains fully committed to share the most valuable and comprehensive information for a secure navigation in the Western Indian Ocean.
On 7 September, Operation ATALANTA staff participated in the Djibouti Code of Conduct Working Group 3 (DCoC WG3) regional workshop on operational cooperation and coordination at sea, held at the Mombasa Continental Resort in Mombasa, Kenya.
The recent increase in piracy-related incidents off the Horn of Africa has underscored the need to further strengthen regional operational cooperation. ATALANTA remains fully committed to supporting DCoC initiatives and to acting as an enabling maritime security provider.
From 9 to 11, Operation ATALANTA shipping advisor participated in the International Maritime and Port Security Forum in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Hosted by the International Mexico ISPS Network, the forum highlighted the importance of treating Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code as two sides of the same maritime security coin.
Following adoption of the non-mandatory Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code, discussions underscored the need to implement applicable ISPS requirements and adapt protective measures to autonomous ships, whose operating models introduce new potential scenarios for piracy and armed robbery at sea.
In September, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA was supported in different levels by ships from Spain, Italy, France and Greece.
On 3 September, Operation ATALANTA Headquarters received a visit from Italian Navy officer cadets during the port call of the Italian Navy training ship Amerigo Vespucci at Rota Naval Base.
The Operation Commander welcomed the cadets, their instructors, and the Commanding Officer of the Amerigo Vespucci. He briefed them on the operation’s mandate, tasks, successes and main challenges, highlighting the current maritime security situation in the area of operations. Afterwards, the visitors toured the OHQ facilities and learned more about the work carried out by each branch.
On 11 September, crewmembers from the Italian sailing ship Orsa Maggiore paid a visit to the ATALANTA Operation Headquarters during her port call in the Rota Naval Base.
The ATALANTA Operation Commander welcomed the Orsa Maggiore commanding officer, along with the 3rd year officer cadets sailing on the ship as part of their training. Afterwards, they were briefed on ATALANTA main tasks, achievements and challenges faced in the complex area of operation. Finally, they toured the OHQ facilities, meeting the staff members and their duties.
On 13 September, personnel from the Operation ATALANTA ORION Detachment participated in the tribute ceremony to Captain Georges Guynemer, organized by the French Armed Forces at Air Base 188 “Colonel Massart” in Djibouti.
The ceremony recalled the figure of Captain Georges Guynemer, a prominent French aviator of the First World War, missing in action in 1917 and a reference point for the traditions of French military aviation.
On 23 September, Operation ATALANTA Headquarters personnel paid a visit to some of the key units and facilities at the Spanish Rota Naval Base. The OHQ personnel met commanding officers and crew members from the upcoming ATALANTA frigate, ESPS SANTAMARIA, from the Spanish Flotilla’s Helicopter Squadron 10, and from the Aircraft Survival & Emergency Centre. They learned main capabilities, internal procedures and upcoming challenges for each one.
The Operation ATALANTA headquarters is fully integrated in the Base’s activities, sharing some of the facilities and participating in several joint activities.
On 29 September, the Spanish Joint Staff Course officers paid a visit to the Operation ATALANTA Headquarters as part of their studies programme. They were welcomed by the deputy commander, Rear Admiral Ostilio de Majo, being afterwards briefed by the Chief of Staff, Captain Fernando García Rodríguez about Operation ATALANTA mandate, chain of command, and flow of information through the different elements of the operation. Finally, they visited the OHQ facilities and had the opportunity to learn on the different OHQ staff members’ responsibilities and duties.
In September, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA celebrated the following national day:
