Saudi Arabia has announced the formal launch of a new multinational maritime defence coalition, with 13 countries completing their national procedures and officially joining the alliance as it moves towards institutional and operational activation.
The announcement followed the third planning meeting of the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition, held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah. Representatives from 39 friendly and allied countries participated in the meeting, according to the Saudi Defence Ministry.
Fifteen countries have now signed the joint statement establishing the coalition, while 13 have completed their respective national procedures, signed the coalition charter and formally announced their accession.
“This represents the actual launch of the coalition towards the stage of institutional and operational activation,” the Saudi Defence Ministry said, adding that other participating countries are continuing the procedures required to join.
The coalition is being established to strengthen maritime security and protect freedom of navigation, international trade and energy supply routes in strategically important waterways. Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries initially announced the initiative on July 30, with its focus extending to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The alliance is also progressing with the creation of its command and organisational structure. Saudi Arabia will provide the coalition commander, while Pakistan will provide the deputy commander during the coalition’s first term.
Saudi Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was appointed commander on August 6, marking another step in establishing the alliance’s leadership structure.
A headquarters for the coalition command has already been designated, while its official logo has been approved. Saudi authorities also said that organisational and planning frameworks, together with the reference documents required for the coalition to begin its operations, are being finalised.
The latest meeting therefore represents a significant organisational milestone for the maritime alliance, as participating countries move from the establishment phase towards the development of a functioning multinational command structure.
With the remaining countries continuing their national accession procedures, the coalition is expected to further expand its membership as it advances towards full institutional and operational readiness.