The Saudi Naval Forces are currently participating in a joint naval-air exercise named “Medusa 13” in Greece, alongside forces from Egypt, France, Cyprus, and the host country. This exercise is being led by Commander Col. Fahd Al-Otaibi, the Saudi Naval commander, and aims to establish alliances and enhance joint security cooperation among the participating countries to improve naval security. Additionally, the exercise will focus on managing and executing joint combat missions utilizing modern weapons, coordinating between units to combat non-traditional maritime threats, and sharing expertise in securing the theatre of operations against potential threats.
The Saudi Naval Forces’ participation in the exercise includes various units such as the Special Naval Security Units, Marine Infantry, His Majesty’s ships, and Naval Aviation. The exercise will be conducted on the Greek island of Crete and in operational areas in the Mediterranean Sea. It will involve various military operations, information operations, an amphibious assault, and civilian evacuation as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. This joint exercise serves as an opportunity for participating countries to strengthen their naval capabilities, enhance interoperability, and exchange valuable knowledge and experience in addressing common maritime security challenges.
The exercise is significant for strengthening regional and international maritime security cooperation, as well as for promoting stability and peace in the Mediterranean region. By participating in such joint exercises, the Saudi Naval Forces and their counterparts from Egypt, France, Cyprus, and Greece are able to enhance their readiness and operational capabilities to effectively address various maritime security threats. The exchange of expertise and experiences during the exercise will also enable the participating countries to develop effective strategies for combating non-traditional maritime threats and ensuring the security of maritime routes and operations in the Mediterranean Sea.
Through their participation in “Medusa 13,” the Saudi Naval Forces are demonstrating their commitment to promoting regional security and stability, as well as their willingness to collaborate with other countries to address common security challenges. The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for the Saudi Navy to showcase its capabilities, enhance its operational readiness, and strengthen its relationships with partner countries in the region. By engaging in joint exercises with international partners, the Saudi Naval Forces are able to learn from best practices, exchange knowledge and expertise, and enhance their interoperability with allied naval forces.
Overall, the Saudi Naval Forces’ participation in the joint naval-air exercise “Medusa 13” in Greece reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting regional security and stability through international cooperation and joint military exercises. By collaborating with naval forces from Egypt, France, Cyprus, and Greece, the Saudi Navy aims to enhance its operational capabilities, strengthen regional maritime security, and build alliances to address common security challenges. Through this exercise, the participating countries will be able to exchange valuable expertise, develop joint strategies, and improve their readiness to respond to maritime threats effectively. Additionally, the exercise will contribute to strengthening regional and international maritime security cooperation, promoting peace and stability in the Mediterranean region, and enhancing the operational readiness of the participating naval forces.
