Unusual pause during military activity
French warship Jacques ChevalierOf Marine Nationale, it was docked in the port of Alicante as part of a layover scheduled by the crew. Although the ship’s arrival occurred normally, the timing chosen for this stop generated expectations in the port area because it coincided with sea movements of great importance.
This pause will continue until Sunday, when military personnel will remain in the city. The vessel, classified as a new generation logistics vessel, is part of the French FLOTLOG program and is able to support long-duration operations thanks to its supply and transportation capacity. Its presence on the coast of Alicante comes in a context in which France and Morocco maintain joint activity in the waters of the western Mediterranean.
The operation connecting Toulon, Tangier and Alicante
The reason for this stay is directly related to the joint naval exercise Shebek 25It is a bilateral operation carried out by France and the Royal Moroccan Navy during the month of November. This annual program – in its thirty-third edition – seeks to enhance operational coordination between the two countries through navigational maneuvers, emergency simulations, and interoperability practices.
The main stages of the exercise were carried out between the ports of Toulon and Tangier. There, both crews evaluated capabilities such as resupply, communications, escort operations and responding to maritime hazard scenarios. access Jacques Chevalier To Alicante occurred only when the French and Moroccan units completed the second technical phase in the port of Tangier.
Strategic training in a complex regional context
Editions Shebek It has been established as a key tool for promoting military diplomacy and stability in the Mediterranean. France and Morocco consider this operation a strategic pillar to ensure maritime security, monitor trade routes, and confront illegal activities in the region.
he Jacques Chevalier It participates in these maneuvers thanks to its versatility: it is designed to supply fuel, transport heavy materials and serve as a support platform for long-range operations. Its stop in Alicante, although presented as a rest stop, is part of the planned excursions and the logistics of the operation.
Why is Alicante a relevant point on this scale?
Choosing Alicante as an intermediate point offers operational advantages. Its strategic location between the Toulon and Tangier axis allows it to improve routes and reduce transit times in international maritime operations. In addition, the port has the necessary infrastructure to handle large tonnage ships and ensure rotation of crews that have been active for weeks.
Having a modern ship like Jacques Chevalier It has aroused the interest of specialists and military enthusiasts, who see in this scope an opportunity to analyze the French deployment in the Mediterranean. Although the visit lacks formal events open to the public, seeing it from the pier has generated a noticeable influx of curious onlookers.
Movement expects Chebec 25 to close
Process Shebek 25 It will conclude on November 22, the date on which the participating units will return to their bases after completing the maneuvers. Stop in Alicante Jacques Chevalier It is interpreted as the last part of the route before returning to France, a phase in which the technical aspects are assessed and logistics are reorganized before the official closure of the exercise.
And with this visit Jacques Chevalier It strengthens its presence in the western Mediterranean and demonstrates the strategic importance that France attaches to maritime cooperation with Morocco. The stop in Alicante, which initially raised questions, has now been revealed as another piece in a machine that combines training, military diplomacy and operational deployment.