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Friday, 14 August 2026dailybeirut.com
World
The Saudi Western Fleet Command in Jeddah hosted the third Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) planning meeting, with representatives from 39 countries attending; 13 states have formally joined the coalition by signing its charter.
The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) held its third planning meeting on Thursday evening at the headquarters of the Saudi Western Fleet Command in Jeddah. Delegations from 39 countries participated in the session, marking a key step toward operational activation of the coalition.
According to a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, 15 countries have signed the joint declaration establishing the MMDC. Thirteen nations have completed their domestic procedures and formally signed the coalition’s charter, announcing their official accession. This development constitutes the coalition’s practical launch into institutional and operational implementation. The remaining participating states continue to finalize their national requirements for membership.
A report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing the Ministry of Defense, stated that the third planning meeting finalized practical arrangements for activating the coalition’s organs and its multinational command structure. These preparations pave the way for receiving officers and personnel from member states and integrating them into the Joint Command and General Staff, the Joint Maritime Operations and Coordination Center, and the Coalition Intelligence Center. This integration is intended to accelerate the buildup of operational capabilities and enhance readiness to carry out assigned defensive missions within the coalition’s designated area of responsibility.
The transition to this phase represents an advanced stage in building a sustainable, multinational maritime defense coalition. Its aims include reinforcing the concept of collective maritime security, safeguarding freedom of navigation, protecting sea lanes and straits, and supporting the continuity of international trade and global supply chains. As multiple countries complete their national accession processes and begin activating coalition bodies and command structures, the MMDC enters a new phase of collaborative work—shifting focus from framework and structural development to activation and integration of member-state capabilities. The goal is to achieve operational readiness and execute mandated tasks, reflecting the commitment of participating states to establish a capable maritime defense partnership that enhances maritime security and stability, protects freedom of navigation and shared interests, and contributes to regional and international security and stability in accordance with the coalition’s charter, its foundational documents, and the principles of international law.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense published footage from the meeting’s activities on its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting efforts to activate the MMDC.
