France deploys nuclear attack submarine for first time in Chebec 2024 exercise with Morocco.

The Chebec 2024 naval exercise, conducted from October 7 to 13, marked the 30th iteration of joint maneuvers between the French and Moroccan navies. According to information published by Mer et Marine, a notable feature of the 2024 edition was the involvement of a French nuclear-powered attack submarine, the first time such an asset has been deployed in these drills.
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First French Suffren-class submarine Suffren. (Picture source: French MoD)

This inclusion allowed both forces to practice advanced anti-submarine warfare tactics, strengthening their ability to respond to maritime security threats, including piracy and smuggling.

The exercise took place across the Atlantic and Mediterranean, beginning at Casablanca and moving towards the Alboran Sea. Both surface vessels and submarines participated in scenarios involving surveillance, intervention, and defense. From Morocco, the frigate Mohammed VI was a key asset, while France brought the stealth frigate Acunet and the submarine from Toulon.

Morocco-France relations

France and Morocco share a deep historical connection dating back to the early 20th century when Morocco was under French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. Post-independence, the two nations maintained close diplomatic and military relations. France became a principal ally and a key supplier of military equipment to Morocco, aiding in the modernization of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

A centerpiece of this cooperation is the multi-mission frigate Mohammed VI, a FREMM (Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission) class vessel constructed by DCNS (now Naval Group) and delivered in 2014. This advanced frigate, displacing around 6,000 tons and stretching 142 meters in length, is outfitted with cutting-edge weaponry and systems. It features MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles, Aster 15 surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm Oto Melara Super Rapid naval gun, and MU90 Impact lightweight torpedoes. Equipped with the Thales Herakles multifunction radar and sophisticated sonar systems like the CAPTAS-4 towed sonar.

Beyond the Mohammed VI, France has supplied Morocco with several offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) of the OPV 70 class, built by STX France in collaboration with Raidco Marine and delivered between 2011 and 2016. Measuring 72 meters in length, these vessels are armed with a 76 mm main gun and 12.7 mm machine guns. They serve crucial roles in maritime security operations, including patrolling territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), law enforcement against smuggling and illegal fishing, search and rescue missions, and environmental protection efforts.