RIYADH: The multinational Combined Maritime Force on Wednesday started its operational phase from its command headquarters, Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said.
The ministry announced that Pakistan Navy’s Commodore Rashid Sheikh has assumed his duties as deputy commander of the maritime coalition, alongside liaison officers from several member states.
التحالف البحري الدفاعي متعدد الجنسيات يبدأ مرحلة العمل الفعلي من مقر قيادته، بمباشرة العميد البحري الركن راشد شيخ من جمهورية باكستان الإسلامية مهامه نائبًا لقائد التحالف، إلى جانب ضباط ارتباط من عدد من الدول الأعضاء، والدول التي تعمل على إجراءات الانضمام إلى التحالف، فيما تُستكمل… pic.twitter.com/GYgqPlSyH9
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) September 2, 2026
Liaison officers from countries undergoing procedures to join the coalition are also being assigned to the command headquarters, the ministry said.
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, 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.
Saudi Arabia announces appointment of Commander Maritime Defence Coalition
Last month, the Saudi Ministry of Defence announced the appointment of the commander of a maritime defence coalition comprising Gulf countries, marking a key step in strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.
“The Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announces the appointment of Rear Admiral (Staff) Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shahri as the Coalition Commander,” a statement read.
“This represents a key step in advancing the coalition’s institutional development and enhancing its operational readiness.”
تعيين قائد للتحالف البحري الدفاعي متعدد الجنسيات.#وزارة_الدفاع pic.twitter.com/NQEfYtstcl
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) August 6, 2026
“This appointment reflects the commitment of the founding states to completing the coalition’s leadership structure, thereby strengthening its readiness to carry out its defensive missions in support of maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation, securing maritime routes and strategic straits, and safeguarding international trade and global supply chains within the coalition’s area of responsibility, in accordance with its charter and the provisions of international law,” it added.
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.
ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia Announces Appointment of Commander Maritime Defence Coalition
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.
The participants discussed creating a coordinated international framework to safeguard global sea lanes, enhance maritime navigation security, and strengthen collective defence cooperation.
The alliance is expected to focus on securing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden — three of the world’s busiest and most strategically important maritime corridors.
Participants agreed that the Kingdom would serve as the alliance’s founding nation and host its permanent headquarters, highlighting the Kingdom’s expanding role in regional and international maritime security.
