43 Countries Join Saudi-Led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition

RIYADH, Ju 30: Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward establishing a multinational defense maritime coalition aimed at strengthening maritime security, protecting international shipping routes and countering threats to navigation and global trade.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense hosted a meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026, bringing together chiefs of staff and representatives from friendly and allied countries, along with the European Union delegation to the Kingdom, to discuss the proposed coalition and its framework.

The meeting was attended by chiefs of staff and their representatives from 43 countries, either in person or through video conference, in addition to the EU delegation. The participants were drawn from a total of 51 countries and organizations invited to take part in discussions on the initiative.

Saudi Arabia said the wide participation reflects growing international interest in strengthening cooperation on maritime defense and the need for countries to coordinate efforts against common threats to international shipping.

Participants discussed what they described as escalating threats to maritime security, including attacks on commercial vessels, energy tankers and maritime infrastructure.

The meeting examined the potential impact of such threats on the safety of maritime navigation, global supply chains and the international economy. Participants stressed the importance of stronger multilateral defense cooperation to deter attacks and maintain the security of international maritime routes.

Particular attention was given to maritime threats in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which are critical waterways for global commerce and energy shipments.

The participants also reviewed the draft charter of the multinational defense maritime coalition, along with its reference documents, organizational structure, command-and-control arrangements and operational mechanisms.

Under the foundational arrangements discussed at the meeting, Saudi Arabia will serve as the founding and leading country of the coalition and host its main headquarters.

The Kingdom said this arrangement reflects confidence in its role in advancing collective maritime security and coordinating international efforts to protect vital shipping lanes.

The participants agreed that military planners from countries seeking to join the coalition will continue working during the next phase to complete the necessary foundational procedures.

These procedures include finalizing the coalition's charter and reference documents, completing its organizational structure and command-and-control arrangements, establishing operational mechanisms and forming the necessary technical teams and frameworks.

Participating countries will also continue completing their respective national procedures before the coalition charter is formally signed, the coalition is launched and it begins its operations.

Saudi Arabia described the proposed coalition as an open international defense initiative, saying it would welcome countries that share its objectives and principles.

The Kingdom said additional countries could join in accordance with their national procedures, to strengthen collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation and safeguarding global trade.

Saudi Arabia emphasized that the security of international maritime routes is a collective responsibility requiring sustained and effective international cooperation.

The countries are:

Saudi Arabia said other countries that participated in the meeting also expressed support for the initiative and were completing their internal national procedures and approvals before joining the joint statement.

The Kingdom added that the door would remain open for those countries, as well as other interested nations, to sign the statement once they complete the required national procedures.

The meeting concluded with the participating countries affirming their determination to complete the remaining procedures to establish the coalition and strengthen the collective ability to confront and deter threats to maritime security, protect international shipping routes, safeguard freedom of navigation and global trade, and promote regional and international security and stability.