Saudi-led maritime coalition takes shape with 15 countries signing pact

RIYADH, Aug 13: A new multinational maritime defense coalition is moving toward operational activation, with 15 countries signing a joint statement to establish the force, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced Thursday.

The announcement came after the coalition’s third planners’ meeting in Jeddah. The ministry said 13 countries have completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter and formally announced their accession, while the remaining signatories are completing the necessary steps to join.

The coalition is designed to protect freedom of navigation, international trade and vital energy routes around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Saudi Arabia will lead the coalition, with a Saudi commander serving as its commander and a Pakistani officer appointed deputy commander.

The formation of the coalition was first announced on July 30 by Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries. On Aug. 6, Saudi Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was appointed commander. 

The latest meeting marks what the Saudi Defense Ministry described as the coalition’s “actual launch” toward institutional and operational activation, signaling a move from planning to establishing its command and operational structure. The current signatories are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia.