Pakistan will take a key command role in a Saudi-led multinational maritime defense coalition tasked with protecting major shipping routes linking Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The coalition’s participants agreed that Pakistan will provide its first deputy commander, placing the country in the senior command structure alongside Saudi Arabia, which has appointed Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri as commander.
The development was announced during the coalition’s third planning meeting at Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, attended by representatives from 39 countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said preparations were underway to integrate officers and personnel from participating countries into the coalition’s command, maritime and intelligence operations.
The coalition has established its headquarters, approved an official logo and completed its organizational and planning frameworks as it moves toward operational readiness.
So far, 15 countries have signed the coalition’s joint statement, while 13 have completed the required national procedures to formally join. Other participating countries are continuing their domestic approval processes.
The coalition is being established as a permanent multinational framework focused on maritime defense, freedom of navigation and the protection of commercial shipping and strategic waterways.
Its area of focus includes the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden, key maritime corridors connecting Asia with the Middle East and Europe and supporting international trade and global supply chains.
Coalition commander Al-Shehri said the alliance seeks to develop sustained multinational maritime defense cooperation and strengthen long-term security and stability at sea.
He added that several countries have expressed interest in joining the coalition, reflecting growing international attention to shared maritime security challenges.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense said the next phase will focus on building operational capabilities and achieving readiness to conduct defensive missions within the coalition’s area of responsibility.
Saudi Arabia announced the coalition last month following a meeting in Riyadh attended by representatives from 43 countries. Fourteen countries, including Saudi Arabia, initially joined the initiative.
Saudi officials have described the coalition as defensive and said it does not target any particular country, organization or alliance. The force is expected to operate under international law while respecting national sovereignty and freedom of navigation.
