Saudi Arabia Officially Activates Multinational Defence Maritime Alliance Involving 39 Countries

Saudi Arabia on Thursday (13/8/2026) announced the official commencement of the activation of the Multinational Defence Maritime Alliance.

This step marks the beginning of the alliance’s operational phase after previously passing through a process of formation and institutional structuring.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence stated that the third planning meeting of the Multinational Defence Maritime Alliance was held at the Western Fleet Command Headquarters in Jeddah. The meeting was attended by representatives from 39 countries.

In a statement published via platform X, quoted by Aljazeera on Friday (14/8/2026), the Saudi Ministry of Defence explained that 15 countries had signed a joint statement.

Meanwhile, 13 countries had completed national procedures, signed the alliance charter, and officially declared their membership.

The remaining countries are still completing the national procedures required to join the alliance.

This development comes amid the acceleration of the alliance’s institutional structure development. Saudi Arabia has appointed its commander, while the deputy commander for the first period comes from Pakistan.

In addition, the alliance’s headquarters and logo have been established, and the organisational framework, planning, and reference guidelines for commencing the alliance’s activities have been approved.