From October 16 to 20, 2023, the major interorganic and interallied exercise EXOCET 23 was held in the Western Mediterranean.
Six French and Italian surface ships: the air defense frigate (FDA) Chevalier Paul , the Italian frigate Caio Dulio , the multi-mission frigate (FREMM) with enhanced air defense capability Lorraine , the FREMM Provence , the frigate Fayette (FLF) and the High Seas Patroller (PHM) Commander Birot ; Two French nuclear attack submarines (SNA);
Four Panther and Caïman Marine helicopters; An E2-C HAWKEYE as well as several French and American maritime patrol aircraft.
Organized by the “ Training ” division of the Naval Action Force (FAN), this edition of EXOCET pushed to the limit the realism of combat between two naval forces under submarine threat, in cooperation with the French SNA. The units opposed each other in an all-out combat where initiative was encouraged to realistically simulate a high-intensity conflict in an extended theater. The sailors involved thus developed their tactical sense, mastery of equipment and their responsiveness to the unexpected.
EXOCET contributed to developing the daring and agility of the crews by training them for all eventualities, preparing each fighter to break out of known patterns in a context of multi-fight engagement. This exercise is therefore fully in line with the POLARIS approach, which consists of preparing Navy units for high-intensity combat in the most realistic way possible.
