Saudi Arabia expands defence network as 14 states back Red Sea security push

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published August 12, 2026

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Saudi Arabia is expanding its regional defence partnerships while pushing ahead with a multinational maritime coalition designed to protect shipping and energy routes in the Red Sea, as attacks on vessels and critical infrastructure raise concerns well beyond the kingdom’s borders.

A Reuters report published Wednesday said 14 regional countries have so far joined the Saudi-led maritime initiative, with further meetings expected in Jeddah this week as Riyadh seeks to formally establish the coalition and broaden participation.

Saudi Arabia first unveiled plans for the coalition in late July, saying it would focus on protecting freedom of navigation, international trade routes and energy supply lines around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden. Representatives from 43 countries and the European Union attended the initial international meeting discussing the plan.

The initiative has global significance because Bab el-Mandeb connects the southern Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and is a major chokepoint for international trade and energy shipments. Disruption in the area can affect shipping costs, supply chains and global energy markets.

The maritime initiative comes alongside a new mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, signed in Mecca last week. The agreement states that an armed attack against one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all of them.

Riyadh is simultaneously trying to strengthen deterrence without becoming drawn further into the wider regional conflict, particularly as attacks have targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping in recent weeks.