The United States is preparing to host one of the world’s largest multinational naval exercises, known as UNITAS 2025, scheduled to take place next September and run until October 6, with Morocco standing out as the only Arab and African country taking part.
According to the U.S. Navy’s website, the drills, overseen by the U.S. Naval Forces, will bring together around 8,000 troops from 26 nations representing different continents, alongside dozens of warships, submarines, fighter jets, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.
The same source noted that the exercises will be conducted across multiple locations along the U.S. East Coast, particularly near Naval Station Mayport in Florida, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
Morocco’s participation is seen as highly significant, given its status as the sole Arab and African nation in the lineup, reflecting the strength of its defense ties with the United States and its partners, while also recognizing its pivotal role in regional and global maritime security.
The U.S. Navy pointed out that the origins of these exercises date back to 1959, when American states, during the first Inter-American Naval Conference held in Panama, agreed to establish joint annual drills. The first edition of UNITAS was subsequently launched in 1960 with nine countries, including the United States.
Since then, the same source added, UNITAS has become the world’s oldest multinational naval exercise held annually. This year marks the 66th edition of the major military event, aimed at strengthening operational coordination and tactical interoperability among participating naval and air forces, while also enhancing their ability to counter transnational maritime threats and complex security challenges.
According to the U.S. Navy’s statement, the activities will include Live Fire Exercises, Amphibious Landing operations, and drills simulating tactical troop withdrawals, in addition to cyberattack response scenarios, rescue operations, diving, and landing exercises.
This year’s edition will also feature advanced integration of unmanned and autonomous maritime systems into fleet operations, as part of ongoing experiments to develop a “hybrid fleet” combining conventional assets with modern technologies. Beyond field operations, the program will include scientific seminars, expert exchanges, and specialized training sessions in areas such as military medicine, diving, and cyber defense, making the exercise a comprehensive platform for military coordination.
The U.S. Navy website quoted Rear Admiral Carlos Sardielo, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and the Fourth Fleet, as saying that these exercises represent “a strategic opportunity to demonstrate the cohesion of partners in confronting common threats, and to foster trust and military cooperation.”
The U.S. commander further emphasized that the drills offer a practical model of burden-sharing in global security, underlining the importance of “solidarity and unity” in addressing cross-continental security challenges.
It is expected that following the conclusion of the drills on October 6, a series of official ceremonies will be held to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy, with the participation of high-ranking military leaders from the countries involved — including Morocco.
