Saudi-led Maritime Defence Alliance activates command structure; 13 members formalize membership, 15 sign joint communiqué; Pakistan named deputy commander

Jeddah — The Saudi-led multinational Maritime Defence Alliance announced significant progress at its third planning meeting held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, the Saudi Ministry of Defence said on Thursday. Representatives from 39 countries attended the session. According to the ministry, 15 countries have signed the alliance’s joint communiqué and 13 countries have formally joined the alliance.
The ministry said it has completed key arrangements to activate the alliance’s command structure. Preparations are underway to integrate member states’ officers and personnel into the alliance’s command, naval and intelligence operations. Saudi Arabia will hold overall command in the initial phase, while the post of first deputy commander will be assigned to Pakistan.
Officials said the alliance’s stated aims are to ensure maritime security, protect global trade routes, and strengthen cooperative responses to threats at sea. Delegates discussed next steps for operational coordination, information sharing, joint exercises and emergency response procedures. The ministry added that future meetings will finalize the command-and-control framework, allocation of responsibilities among partner states, and the operational rules needed to conduct timely and effective collective operations.