JEDDAH: The Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition has finalized key arrangements to activate its command structure, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.
The coalition has agreed that its first deputy commander will come from Pakistan. Saudi Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was appointed commander last week.
The coalition has also designated its headquarters and approved its official logo. It has completed the organizational and planning frameworks needed to begin operations.
Pakistan to Provide First Deputy Commander
The coalition’s participants agreed that Pakistan will provide its first deputy commander.
The decision comes as member states prepare to integrate their officers and personnel into the coalition’s command, maritime and intelligence operations.
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The ministry said these preparations are already underway.
The coalition held its third planning meeting at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah. Representatives from 39 countries attended the meeting.
15 Countries Sign Joint Statement
According to the Saudi Ministry of Defense, 15 countries have so far signed the coalition’s joint statement.
Another 13 countries have completed the additional domestic procedures required to formally join the coalition.
Other participating countries are continuing their national procedures before formally becoming members.
The ministry said the latest measures aim to accelerate the coalition’s operational capabilities and improve its readiness for defensive missions.
Focus on Key Maritime Routes
The Saudi-led maritime defense coalition aims to create a permanent multinational defense framework.
Its stated objective is to protect freedom of maritime navigation, shipping routes and strategic waterways. It also seeks to safeguard international trade and global supply chains.
The coalition will focus on maritime security in three strategically important areas:
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- The Red Sea
- The Bab Al-Mandab Strait
- The Gulf of Aden
These waterways connect Asia, the Middle East and Europe. They also play an important role in international trade and shipping.
Coalition Moves Toward Operational Readiness
The Saudi Ministry of Defense said the next phase will focus on achieving operational readiness.
The coalition will then begin carrying out its assigned missions.
Saudi Arabia announced the coalition last month following a meeting in Riyadh attended by representatives from 43 countries.
The initiative aims to strengthen collective maritime security amid growing threats to commercial shipping and strategic waterways.
More Countries Expected to Join
Fourteen countries, including Saudi Arabia, initially joined the coalition.
Rear Adm. Al-Shehri later said that more countries were expected to join. He also said the coalition would remain open to countries that share its objectives and principles.
According to the Saudi authorities, the level of participation reflects broad international support for treating the security of global waterways as a shared responsibility.
Coalition Described as Defensive
Saudi officials have emphasized that the coalition is defensive in nature.
They said it does not target any specific country, organization or alliance.
The coalition will operate in accordance with international law. It will also respect state sovereignty and freedom of navigation.
