The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition has begun operations from its headquarters in Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan’s Commodore Rashid Sheikh taking up his post as deputy commander. Liaison officers from member states and countries completing accession procedures have also started work at the headquarters. Others will follow in stages, based on the number of posts allocated to each country. The move follows the completion of arrangements to activate the coalition’s bodies, approved at its third planning meeting in Jeddah in August and attended by representatives from 39 countries. It marks the start of the coalition’s institutional and operational phase and the integration of member states’ military capabilities, while other countries finalize accession procedures. Work on the coalition’s institutional structure has also advanced rapidly. Saudi Arabia has appointed its commander, while members agreed that the first deputy commander would come from Pakistan. Saudi Arabia announced the coalition in late July as an international defensive initiative open to all countries. It aims to strengthen maritime security, protect international waterways and global trade, and counter emerging threats. Rear Admiral Abdullah Al-Shehri was appointed coalition commander. The coalition is a strategic step toward protecting shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It is founded on the principle that securing international waterways is a collective responsibility requiring coordinated action against growing threats. Membership remains open to interested countries. Saudi Arabia’s hosting and leadership of the coalition reflects the Kingdom’s role in strengthening regional and international security and building effective alliances to deter and confront shared maritime threats. The coalition seeks to safeguard freedom of navigation, secure trade routes, supply chains and energy resources, and protect shared maritime interests across the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The coalition operates under the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. It is exclusively defensive, does not target any country or organization, fully respects state sovereignty and safeguards freedom of navigation.
