In May, the US Navy and Saudi Royal Navy concluded the 2025 Nautical Defender exercise, reaffirming their enduring commitment to security in the Arabian Gulf.

This recurring training focused on improving combined warfighting readiness, showcasing the value of multinational cooperation and modern military strategies.

Promoting security and military interoperability

The weeklong exercise brought together naval forces to enhance interoperability and refine joint capabilities critical to maritime security.

In the US 5th Fleet area, drills emphasized stability across strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the region's critical security importance.

Key training scenarios included operations in explosive ordnance disposal and mine countermeasures, reflecting the exercise's focus on countering maritime threats.

The integration of unmanned systems provided new ways to conduct surveillance and protect critical shipping lanes from potential disruptions.

Military officials emphasized that such coordination is integral to safeguarding regional trade routes and global energy flows.

Deepening the US-Saudi naval alliance

The Nautical Defender exercise underscored the growing strength of the US-Saudi naval partnership.

Both sides demonstrated a commitment to sharing best practices and adapting to evolving maritime challenges.

With the annual iteration of the exercise concluding, it reinforced decades-long collaboration between the two nations' armed forces.

US Navy Captain Brian Reitter described the training as "an excellent opportunity to strengthen tactical proficiency and support long-term relationships with our Saudi counterparts."

Partnerships like Nautical Defender complement broader exercises such as "Red Flag" and "Green Flag," which bring together diverse nations to address multi-domain defense requirements.

These initiatives collectively aim to foster more connected, resilient forces for today's new and emerging threats.

These drills not only improve readiness against emerging threats but also demonstrate a visible commitment to collective defense, promoting confidence among regional partners.

Initiatives like Nautical Defender highlights the US and Saudi Arabia's shared dedication to maintaining security, ensuring peace and addressing emerging challenges in the Arabian Gulf.

As new challenges arise, their maritime collaboration will remain a cornerstone of regional stability.