From April 28 to May 11, 2025, the Courco/Squale operational preparation exercise brought together inter-allied naval assets in the Mediterranean to confront a nuclear attack submarine (SSN) in a realistic naval warfare scenario. This edition helped strengthen interoperability and validate the tactical qualifications of the units involved.
Exercise Courco/Squale 2025 is an advanced underwater warfare training exercise that pits, in this edition, an inter-allied task force , composed of frigates and aircraft, against a nuclear attack submarine. Designed to simulate a high-intensity conflict, the exercise tested the detection, coordination, and engagement capabilities of the participating units.
Alongside Squale, the Courco 2025 exercise is a crucial training course for qualifying future submarine commanders . Courco (command course) is the final selection stage before accessing command of a nuclear attack submarine.
The anti-submarine force included the FREMM DA Lorraine , the FREMM Provence , the metropolitan support and assistance vessel (BSAM) Loire and the chartered vessel (BSAA) Jason . These vessels were supported by two Dutch NH90 helicopters, Caimans from Flotillas 31F and 33F, an American SH-60 helicopter and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft .
The main objective for the surface units was to validate the qualification of naval force-level anti-submarine warfare officer, i.e. the ability to plan and command a complex, coherent anti-submarine warfare system, bringing together the surface and aeronautical components of the French Navy and allies. The exercise allowed the crews to train in near-real conditions, implementing daring tactics.
The coincidence of the Squale and Courco exercises provides a unique cross-training opportunity, allowing surface forces and submariners to train together. This synergy strengthens the operational effectiveness and interoperability of French and combined naval forces.