Morocco Sends Observers to International Search and Rescue Exercise in Balearic Islands
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco dispatched military observers to participate in the Cernia 2025 international search and rescue exercise held last week in Spain’s Balearic Islands, a major drill designed to test coordinated emergency response capabilities in simulated aircraft accident scenarios.
According to the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the exercise was organised by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (ARCC) of Palma, operating under Wing 49 of the Spanish Air and Space Force. International observers from France, Morocco, and Italy monitored the complex operations, which brought together multiple military and civilian agencies.
Spanish forces deployed two CN-235 aircraft for the exercise. Italy contributed aircraft from the Aeronautica Militare and Coast Guard units, while Spanish assets included the Military Emergency Unit (UME), Civil Guard patrol vessels, Special Underwater Activities Group (GEAS) personnel, and a Customs Surveillance Service boat.
The exercise unfolded across two phases on the island of Menorca.
- Maritime operations (SAMAR) were conducted east of the island.
- Land-based scenarios (SATER) took place in Es Mercadal and San Luis.
Key coordination meetings were held at Son San Juan Air Base and Mahón Airport, where participating teams reviewed procedures and operational planning.
Overall coordination was led by ARCC Palma, with oversight from a SAR Headquarters evaluation team, ensuring that rescue assets from all participating nations were effectively integrated during simulated emergency situations.
Morocco’s participation comes at a time of increasing naval cooperation across the Mediterranean. Both shores have recently intensified joint operations, including coordinated activities in the Strait of Gibraltar. Just recently, the frigates Reina Sofía (Spain) and Tarik Ben Ziyad (Morocco) conducted joint drills under NATO’s Operation SeaGuardian, focusing on maritime surveillance and security collaboration.
Officials noted that such initiatives significantly enhance regional maritime security and reinforce interoperability among allied forces. Morocco, a major non-NATO ally, continues to play an active role in Mediterranean security operations with its European partners.
According to exercise organizers, Cernia 2025 successfully demonstrated the ability of participating nations to coordinate effectively in complex search and rescue missions, validating existing protocols for emergency response across the Mediterranean region.
