On 03 and 04 June, Operation ATALANTA hosted the 16th Industry Strategic Meeting co-chaired by EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The meeting addressed critical challenges facing naval operations and the shipping industry, bringing together key stakeholders from across the maritime security spectrum.
The meeting took place over two days, starting with presentations by the ATALANTA, CMF and ASPIDES OPCDRs to explain the general situation in the Area of Operations, as well as strategic ideas and the way ahead for the Operations.
Following this introduction, the current scenario in the area was reviewed, and representatives of the shipping industry presented their concerns. The OPCDRs had the opportunity to address these issues directly, together with subject matter experts from the Operations. At the same time, with the productive exchange of information, the working groups continue working on their proposals.
On 11 June, the Force Commander Davide da Pozzo attended the symposium “Emergency and Crisis Management at Sea” on behalf of the Operation Commander. The meeting was hosted by the Japanese Embassy to Djibouti and co-chaired by the Ambassador of Japan to Djibouti, H.E. Keiichi Hara, the Minister of Equipment and Transports of Djibouti, H.E. Hassan Houmed Ibrahim, and the EU Ambassador to Djibouti, H.E. Denisa-Elena Ionete.
Participants, including policymakers, military representatives, practitioners, and academics, engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening institutional coordination and response mechanisms across the four critical phases of emergency and crisis management: Prevention, Preparation, Response, and Recovery.
From 1 to 3 June, the European Union and India have joined forces in a significant naval exercise to enhance maritime security cooperation.
The joint operation, with ships from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and Indian Navy, was organized earlier this week to improve interoperability and advance counter-piracy tactics. It allowed to practice tactical manoeuvres and communication protocols, which are crucial when facing various threats in the Horn of Africa and western Indian Ocean. The exercise and port call were planned by ATALANTA Operation Headquarters based in Rota, Spain.
The exercise took place in the Indian Ocean - a vital maritime corridor for global trade and security. Deterring and tackling traditional and emerging threats, such as counter-narcotics, arms smuggling, or illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, are key priorities both for the EU and India.
On 12 June, Spanish Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz assumed command of the 50th rotation as Force Commander of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA. He takes command of Task Force 465 from Italian Admiral, Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, who was in command since 20 February 2025. The ceremony, which took place on the Italian ship ITS Rizzo in the Port of Djibouti, was chaired by the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano.
Vice Admiral Villanueva conveyed his highest appreciation for his commitment to the outgoing Force Commander and the crew of ITS Rizzo and ESPS Reina Sofia. The 49th Rotation was involved in numerous patrols and activities like the high-level joint exercise with India, a major exercise with the Seychelles Defence Forces, the ALDABRA IV, and training with Djibouti and international partners among others. The ATALANTA forces also encountered piracy incidents, which resulted in the release of the vessels and crew without serious consequences.
On 23 June, Operation ATALANTA flagship ESPS NAVARRA received on board a delegation from ROKS MUNMU THE GREAT. The delegation was received by ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz, and during the visit, they were briefed on the ship's capabilities. It was also an opportunity to exchange views and improve information sharing.
The Force Commander, together with a delegation from ATALANTA, had the opportunity to visit this modern Korean Navy vessel, continuing discussions on maritime security and interoperability between the two units.
Cooperation between forces working in the same Area of Operations is vital to enhance maritime security.
On 25 June, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA flagship ESPS NAVARRA and ITS MARCEGLIA, in associated support to ATALANTA, conducted a joint exercise at sea. The exercise allowed for diverse complex coordination manoeuvres in navigation, as well as cross deck between the helicopters deployed on both ships.
The complete integration of ATALANTA's assets allows for greater efficiency in the most critical situations they face in the Indian Ocean.#
Following the joint exercise at sea, ATALANTA Force Commander, RADM Vazquez Sanz, embarked on ITS MARCEGLIA. He had the opportunity to meet the crew and discuss with the Commanding Officer of the Italian frigate the capabilities of this impressive ship and the integration into the Operation.
One of the main tasks of Operation ATALANTA is the protection of World Food Programme. In June, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA flagship ITS RIZZO and the ESPS REINA SOFIA escorted some of the WFP vessels during their transit through the Area of Operations.
Since 2009, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA has supported the delivery of over 3.2 million tonnes of humanitarian assistance to communities across East Africa, including Somalia, with 2,481 WFP vessels protected.
In June, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA social media and website promoted the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) website updates, highlighting the new shortcuts to publications on security assessment, alerts on incidents, and voluntary registration.
The MSCIO website is constantly evolving and adapting to achieve maximum efficiency and accessibility in information-sharing, alerts, and threat assessments. ATALANTA remains fully commitment to partnership with the shipping industry and boosting synergies in maritime security.
On 30 June, a representation from the US Congress visited the OHQ. The delegation, accompanied by the Spanish Ambassador to the US, H.E. Angeles Moreno, was welcomed by the Operation Commander, and briefed on the Operation main tasks, achievements and way ahead, with an especial focus on the relationship between Operation ATALANTA and the United States.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and the United States forces are key to maritime security in the Horn of Africa. Both ATALANTA and the US Navy play a vital role in ensuring the safety of one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors—the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin—by deterring piracy and armed robbery at sea.
Moreover, their presence helps safeguard the freedom of navigation and the secure passage of commercial vessels, including World Food Programme (WFP) shipments, which are critical for humanitarian assistance in the region.
In addition, regular joint exercises (such as BULLSHARK), information sharing, and coordinated patrols strengthen operational ties and interoperability between EU and US maritime forces, enhancing collective situational awareness in the Western Indian Ocean.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA participated in the Indian Ocean Mapping Exercise organized by the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa (EUSR HoA) at the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, in Nairobi. The aim of the exercise was to bring together technical expertise from the various EU entities deploying programmes and assets in the region, conduct an in-depth analysis of the multiple networks operating in the area and assess their interconnections.
