Two NATO ships dock in Oran for a three-day visit

Two NATO-member warships have dropped anchor in Oran for three days, bringing Greek and Italian crews to Algeria’s western port before a joint maneuver with the Algerian Navy.

The Algerian Defense Ministry announced the visit and placed it within the 2nd Military Region. The ships are the Greek frigate HS Kountouriotis and the Italian aviso ITS Montecuccoli. They arrived on Sunday and are scheduled to remain alongside until September 9, 2026.

The visit reflects the regular contacts between Algeria’s naval forces and European counterparts. Oran hosts one of the country’s main maritime military facilities nearby, and military authorities organized the reception of both crews after their arrival.

The commanders of the two ships, each accompanied by a delegation, paid a protocol visit to the head of the main naval base at Mers El Kébir. Their discussions focused on ways to advance military cooperation and on the broader state of bilateral relations.

The article presents the visit as part of Algeria’s naval diplomacy with several partners. Algiers hosted Russian Northern Fleet ships at the capital in the spring under a 2026 bilateral cooperation program. Italy is also described as one of Algeria’s most active partners, with the presence of the Montecuccoli extending that political relationship into the military sphere.

The port call will not end with meetings on shore. A PASSEX exercise is planned at sea, bringing together the Algerian, Greek and Italian navies.