OPERATION SOUTHERN READINESS 2026 COMES TO A CLOSE

Operation Southern Readiness 2026 (K-OSR 26) was officially concluded at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa. The closing ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa.

The four-day multinational exercise brought together naval officers from Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) member states, partner nations, representatives from key maritime agencies in Kenya and Kenya Navy for focused training and cooperation. Key among the activities was Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise conducted on-board the Spanish Frigate Victoria, aimed at improving interoperability and refining boarding procedures essential for maritime security operations.

Participants also undertook Aerospace Imagery training at the Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC), where advanced instruction in imagery analysis enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities.
In his closing remarks, Brigadier Kiswaa expressed his gratitude to the strategic partners and praised the organizing team for their commitment and professionalism. He acknowledged the CMF , Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and Bandari Maritime Academy for their sustained support and investment in strengthening regional maritime security. He noted that their commitment was evident both during the exercise and in ongoing joint maritime operations.

“Our partnership is evident not just in this room but in the waters we protect. We have seen robust operations conducted in concert with CMF, the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC). The frequency of ships from EUNAVFOR and partner nations operating in support of CMF calling at the Port of Mombasa stands as a testament to our deepening logistical and operational ties,” he stated.

He further commended the organizers for delivering a well-coordinated and successful exercise that reflects the strong spirit of collaboration underpinning the partnership and its enduring impact.

Also present during the closing ceremony was Commodore Andrea Bielli, Commander CTF 154 and Commodore João Pedro Monteiro Da Silva, Force Commander of EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta.