International naval exercise "Cyberdrill 2026" launches in Libyan territorial waters

Tunis, Sept 18 (KUNA) -- The international joint naval exercise "Cyberdrill 2026" launched on Friday, hosted for the first time by Libya in its territorial waters, with extensive participation from countries in the 5+5 Defense Initiative.

The Libyan Government of National Unity’s Ministry of Defense stated in a statement that this prominent event is part of the activities planned for the initiative in 2026, under the patronage of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Libyan Army, and under the supervision and execution of the Naval Forces General Staff.

It clarified that, according to the operational plan, the Tripoli Naval Base received the participating naval vessels and crews today. The Algerian frigate "Al-Mutassadi" arrived in the presence of the Algerian military attaché, along with the French support vessel "Loire" and the Italian patrol vessel "Comandante Petica," in the presence of the Italian military attaché.

The ministry added that these advanced naval maneuvers aim to enhance the readiness of its naval units, exchange tactical expertise, and unify operational concepts among member states in the western Mediterranean.

It affirmed that this milestone consolidates Libya’s presence as an active and central element in the regional maritime security system, while also granting it a leading role in shaping cooperation strategies, protecting navigational routes, and managing shared challenges in the western Mediterranean Sea.

The exercise will continue from September 18 to 25 along the coast of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, with the goal of developing joint cooperation in maritime security among the countries of the 5+5 Defense Initiative, including maritime surveillance, combating organized crime, human trafficking, and irregular migration.

The initiative was established in 2004 and includes Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Spain. (End)