JEDDAH: The Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition held its fourth planning meeting on Thursday, with participants focusing on integrating defence capabilities, identifying operational requirements, and preparing forces for joint missions within the designated area of responsibility.
The meeting, held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, brought together 154 naval commanders, operational planners, ambassadors, and European Union representatives from 41 allied and partner countries, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.
The meeting marked the coalition’s transition from its establishment phase towards active operations following the achievement of Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
التحالف البحري الدفاعي متعدد الجنسيات يعقد اجتماع التخطيط الرابع في جدة بمشاركة 154 من قادة القوات البحرية والمخططين والسفراء وممثلي الاتحاد الأوروبي، من 41 دولة.#وزارة_الدفاع pic.twitter.com/UbOPoT4R1u
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) September 18, 2026
Discussions covered progress made during the previous phase, the accession of additional countries to the coalition, and capability contributions from participating states.
The coalition currently has 28 liaison officers tasked with coordinating multinational efforts and supporting operations under a unified command structure.
The coalition reaffirmed that safeguarding international navigation, maritime corridors, and strategic straits represents a shared global priority, emphasising integrated capabilities, real-time intelligence sharing, and adherence to international maritime law to counter emerging threats.
Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition aims to protect global shipping
Commander of the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri, in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, has said the coalition would enhance maritime security and global shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
“Under the directives of the leadership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading an international initiative to establish the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition, he said.
Earlier this month, the Saudi Defence Ministry announced that Pakistan Navy’s Commodore Rashid Sheikh assumed his duties as deputy commander of the maritime coalition, alongside liaison officers from several member states.
Global maritime security alliance
Saudi Arabia in July announced plans to establish a Multinational Maritime Defence Alliance, with Pakistan joining 13 other countries in endorsing the initiative aimed at protecting critical international shipping routes and countering growing maritime security threats.
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The proposal was unveiled during a high-level meeting hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Defence in Riyadh, attended by chiefs of staff and senior military officials from 43 countries, along with representatives of the European Union.
