Fifteen nations have officially signed a statement to form a multinational maritime defense coalition, as announced by the Saudi Defense Ministry on August 13, according to Anadolu Ajansi. The ministry reported that while 15 countries have signed the joint statement, 13 of them have completed their national procedures and signed the coalition charter, marking their formal accession to the coalition.
This announcement follows the third planning meeting of the coalition, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the same day. The ministry emphasized that this development signifies the coalition’s transition to a phase of institutional and operational activation, with other countries continuing to finalize their national processes to join.
The coalition will be led by a Saudi commander, with the deputy commander position filled by a representative from Pakistan. The initiative, first announced on July 30, aims to enhance the security of navigation, international trade, and energy supply routes in critical areas such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
On August 6, Saudi Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was appointed as the coalition’s commander, further solidifying the leadership structure of this international maritime defense effort.
