‘Red Wave-7’ naval exercise to bolster maritime security in the Red Sea

Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The mixed naval exercise “Red Wave-7” has commenced at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet, with the participation of countries on the Red Sea, including Jordan, Egypt, Djibouti, and Yemen, alongside the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the Royal Saudi Land Forces, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and units of the Saudi Border Guard.

Rear Admiral Mansour bin Saud Al-Juaid, Commander of the Western Fleet, highlighted the exercise’s objective of bolstering maritime security in the Red Sea region and safeguarding territorial waters. This drill, born out of collaborative planning in three conferences attended by officers from participating countries, encompasses a range of exercises aimed at enhancing the combat readiness of all involved.

Over the course of five days, participating forces will engage in a series of exercises grounded in modern military concepts, including strategic lectures and simulations of combat scenarios. These exercises will encompass joint and mixed operations, spanning surface and air warfare, electronic warfare, and countermeasures against potential threats such as speedboat attacks. Additionally, maritime security exercises will focus on protecting shipping routes, smuggling, terrorism, piracy, and illegal immigration.

Various combat elements, including His Majesty’s Ships, helicopters, fast response boats, navy infantry, maritime special security forces, and combat aircraft, will be deployed throughout the exercise to ensure comprehensive training and readiness across multiple domains.