Sudanese Naval Forces Participate in Military Drills to Enhance Red Sea Security

Military exercises have commenced at a naval base in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia, with the participation of six countries and observers from Pakistan and Mauritania, aimed at strengthening Red Sea security. The drills are scheduled to conclude on Thursday.

According to a statement issued Sunday evening by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the joint naval exercise, named “Red Wave 8,” began at King Faisal Naval Base with the Western Fleet.

The ministry noted that the drills involve the Saudi naval, land, and air forces, as well as border guard units, in addition to naval forces from Red Sea littoral states.

The exercises aim to unify efforts to enhance Red Sea security, protect strategic maritime straits, and ensure freedom of navigation and global supply routes, thereby strengthening energy security and supporting the stability of international trade flows, the statement said.

The maneuvers are hosted by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, with participation from land and air forces and Ministry of Interior border guard units, alongside naval forces from Red Sea nations, including Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, Djibouti, and Yemen, as well as observers from Pakistan and Mauritania, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

SPA quoted Rear Admiral Mansour bin Saud Al-Juaid, Commander of the Western Fleet and head of the exercise, as saying that the drills come within the framework of strengthening defense cooperation and security integration among participating countries.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Abdullah Mohamed Al-Anzi, Director of the exercise, stated that this edition represents a continuation of the “Red Wave” series of drills launched in 2019. He noted that this year’s exercises have seen qualitative advancements in operational planning and execution through the employment of advanced combat systems and platforms, enhancing readiness and coordination among participating forces.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the maneuvers are set to continue until November 13.