Dominican Republic and France Wrap Up DUNAS 2026 Naval Drills
The Dominican Republic and France have brought their 20th annual joint military exercise to a close at the Las Calderas Naval Base in Peravia province, marking two decades of defense collaboration between the two nations. According to Dominican Today, the closing ceremony for DUNAS 2026 was presided over by Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, with senior military leaders and diplomats from both countries in attendance.
What the Exercises Covered
This year's edition centered on improving interoperability between Dominican and French forces, sharpening operational readiness, and strengthening bilateral coordination. The drills are part of a long-running partnership that highlights France's continued engagement in the Caribbean region, where it maintains overseas territories such as Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Why It Matters for Travelers
For visitors and expats in the Dominican Republic, joint exercises like DUNAS contribute to broader maritime security across the Caribbean. Stronger naval cooperation helps support search-and-rescue capabilities, anti-trafficking operations, and disaster response readiness — all of which can benefit travelers exploring the country's coastal regions and engaging in activities like cruising, sailing, and island-hopping.
The Las Calderas Naval Base sits in Baní, a province on the southern coast roughly 65 kilometers west of Santo Domingo. While the base itself is a military installation and not open to tourism, the surrounding Peravia region is known for its salt flats, sand dunes, and the unique Las Salinas beach landscape — a worthwhile detour for travelers heading along the southern coastal route.
Practical Takeaways
Travelers should not expect any disruption to tourism activities as a result of these exercises, which were confined to the naval base. Routine travel through Peravia, Baní, and nearby coastal attractions continues as normal. Visitors curious about the area can still enjoy nearby destinations such as Playa Palmar de Ocoa and the Dunas de Baní Natural Monument, both popular weekend escapes for residents of the capital.
For the original report, see Dominican Today.