The Middle East’s largest maritime exercise, International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, officially commenced on February 10th in Bahrain and Jordan, according to a press release.
The 12-day training event, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), features over 5,000 personnel from more than 35 nations and international organisations.
IMX 2025 is linked with Exercise Cutlass Express, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, allowing for extensive information sharing between maritime operations centres. The goal is to enhance theatre-to-theatre coordination, reduce operational gaps, and strengthen partner nation capabilities in responding to maritime threats.
Rear Adm. Jeff Jurgemeyer, NAVCENT vice commander, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the exercise, stating: “Exercises like IMX show that we are at our best when we work together and that our resolve is unwavering. The Middle East region is a critical crossroads for worldwide commerce and trade. IMX is our combined assurance that the potential for economic success is greatest when international waterways are safe and open for all.”
The operational phase will feature joint training and partner exchanges on critical maritime security issues, including:
- Mine countermeasures
- Visit, board, search, and seizure operations
- Unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration
- Explosive ordnance disposal
- Vessel defence, search and rescue, and mass casualty response
The ninth iteration of IMX since its establishment in 2012 demonstrates global resolve in preserving the rules-based international order and promoting maritime security cooperation across regions. The exercise covers strategic waters, including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, with critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Bab al-Mandeb within its scope.
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