From 24 to 27 October, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA forces deployed in the Indian Ocean carried out several activities with the Kenyan Navy and the Kenyan Coast Guard.
These joint activities were developed thanks to the coordination of the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya and in collaboration with Go Blue.
Operation ATALANTA conducted activities with Kenya starting on the 24 October with the port visit to Mombasa. Operation ATALANTA Force Commander Commodore Armando Valente Tinoco met with EU and Kenya authorities on board ATALANTA flagship ESPS SANTA MARIA. The Commodore briefed on the relationship with Kenya and the approach to Kenya for Mombasa to become a port of disposal of illicit cargo seized by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.
Following the briefing, attendees were able to follow a joint exercise demonstration between ATALANTA and Kenyan Coast Guard forces and Kenya Navy. The activity involved a Search and Rescue exercise and illustrated the successful interaction between the two forces and the joint procedures shared to tackle the emergency in the most effective way. The Kenyan Coast Guard were equipped and trained by Go Blue Kenya, highlighting new Search and Rescue boats.
On 27 October, ESPS SANTA MARIA conducted a joint activity at Sea with the KNS SHUJAA from the Kenya Navy. The activity included combined exercises to train different type of maneuvering and Maritime Interdiction Operations with boarding party. During the activity, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander welcomed on-board officers from the Kenya Navy to enhance mutual trust, facilitate coordination between both warships and exchange of impressions during the exercise.
Kenya and Operation ATALANTA
Operation ATALANTA's relationship with Kenya's maritime security forces is a well-established one that has grown and strengthened through various activities over time. Exercises such as USALAMA BAHARINI which took place in May 2024 are key to maintaining effective interaction and mutual understanding of available procedures and capabilities. This collaboration is essential for maritime security in this part of the Western Indian Ocean.
ATALANTA is embedded in the maritime architecture of the region and, as part of the EU Defense policy and EU naval diplomacy, plays a vital role in supporting EU entities in the Area, such as the Delegation of the EU to Kenya. Mutual support ensures that efforts are developed in the most effective way to enhance the integrated approach to the Area.
