Saudi Arabia has officially announced the institutional and operational activation of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) following its third high-level planning meeting at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, attended by military representatives from 39 countries.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Defense, 15 participating nations have signed the coalition’s joint statement, while 13 countries have completed their required domestic legal procedures, signed the coalition charter, and formally acceded as founding members. The remaining participating nations are currently finalizing their respective national approval processes to complete full accession.
The alliance aims to build a sustainable, collective maritime security architecture tasked with safeguarding freedom of navigation, securing critical shipping lanes through the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden, and protecting global supply chains against maritime threats.
The activation follows rapid progress in establishing the coalition’s institutional framework. Saudi Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was officially appointed as coalition commander, while the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will provide the deputy commander for the coalition’s inaugural term. Member states have also selected the coalition headquarters, adopted its official emblem, and finalized operational reference manuals.
The latest arrangements pave the way for member states to deploy officers and defense personnel directly into the coalition’s Joint Command and Staff, Joint Maritime Operations and Coordination Center, and Coalition Intelligence Center. Officials stated that these joint command centers will immediately enhance regional maritime monitoring capabilities, intelligence sharing, and operational readiness across designated areas of responsibility.
