Saudi Arabia activates 15-nation Red Sea naval force

Saudi Arabia has formally launched the operational rollout of a 15-nation multinational maritime defence coalition aimed at securing the Red Sea, signalling a broader regional pivot toward strategic self-reliance.

The Saudi Cabinet of Ministers announced the activation phase on Tuesday, August 18. Once organisational planning is completed, the multi-nation security alliance will focus on safeguarding freedom of navigation, securing critical maritime choke points, and maintaining the stability of international trade routes and supply chains in the region.

Analysis published by the U.S. media outlet The National Interest frames the move as an attempt by Middle Eastern states to assume greater responsibility for their security architecture while gradually curtailing reliance on Washington. While analysts note that the new coalition is unlikely to completely halt Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, its establishment reflects a fundamental realignment in regional diplomacy.

"The future of security in the Middle East should be determined by regional powers, not external intervention," the publication stated, arguing that decades of U.S. military posture and security guarantees failed to avert the current maritime crisis. The analysis added that "Saudi Arabia and other regional states are simply reading the writing on the wall and acting accordingly."

Although Gulf nations maintain foundational security ties with the United States and are not expected to dismantle partnerships with Washington entirely, Riyadh's proactive construction of independent defence mechanisms illustrates a growing push for regional autonomy.

By Tamilla Hasanova