Largest Maritime Exercise in Mideast Unites Global Forces

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, the Middle East region’s largest multinational maritime exercise, which took place from 9-20 February.

IMX 25 involved 5,000 personnel from more than 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.

Hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), the 12-day exercise offered a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate and illustrate the importance of regional maritime security cooperation.

This year’s iteration of IMX is linked with exercise Cutlass Express, a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa led annual exercise designed to enhance regional maritime awareness and the combined capabilities of partner nations to respond to maritime threats.

The operational phase of IMX included partner exchanges on mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration, vessel defense, search and rescue, and mass casualty response.

Allies and partners at IMX 25 also had an opportunity to train with Combined Task Force West (CTF-W) Headquarters where partner forces performed Explosive Ordnance Disposal and dive operations, Close Quarters Combat drills, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) container climbs. Additionally, CTF-W hosted eight partner nations, including six members from the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) Coast Guard in Aqaba, the Northern Red Sea, and Eilat.

This is the ninth iteration of IMX since its establishment in 2012.