Egypt and Saudi Arabia Deepen Maritime Security Partnership Across Red Sea Corridor
Cairo and Riyadh sign naval cooperation protocol and discuss joint Red Sea force amid rising regional maritime threats
Egypt and Saudi Arabia have formally agreed to strengthen naval cooperation, signing a protocol in Alexandria on 1 September 2025 to deepen joint maritime security ties.
The agreement between the Egyptian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces focuses on expertise exchange, training and broader operational coordination in the Red Sea and Mediterranean maritime zones.
The two sides met in Alexandria, where the Saudi Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Gharibi, and Egyptian Navy Commander Vice Admiral Mahmoud Adel Fawzy toured shipyards and training facilities, signalling a new phase of bilateral naval engagement.
This visit follows persistent cooperation in large-scale exercises such as the Red Wave series and the U.S.-led Bright Star drills—both of which have seen Saudi participation and Egyptian leadership.
Analysts say the partnership is being driven by shared strategic interests: both countries face heightened maritime risk in the Red Sea region, including attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi forces in Yemen and disruptions to global trade through the Suez Canal.
In that context, the pathway from manoeuvres to formalised protocols reflects a move toward a more institutionalised defence axis.
Additional reporting indicates that Egypt and Saudi Arabia are exploring the formation of a joint Red Sea naval force aimed at safeguarding the maritime corridor independently of external coalitions.
While full operational details remain under negotiation, the proposed unit would reinforce stability along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and support mega-projects such as Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea development zones.
The evolving relationship also has geopolitical resonance.
Cairo provides strategic depth and a gateway to North Africa for Riyadh, while Saudi investment and regional influence bolster Egypt’s economic and security posture.
Together, the countries’ alignment reflects a broader regional pivot toward autonomous defence frameworks as Western military guarantees show signs of strain.
As the two nations build out this maritime axis, attention will turn to the implementation of training programmes, logistical architecture and the operational launch of joint units.
If delivered, the cooperation could mark a durable shift in the security architecture of the Red Sea basin.
The agreement between the Egyptian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces focuses on expertise exchange, training and broader operational coordination in the Red Sea and Mediterranean maritime zones.
The two sides met in Alexandria, where the Saudi Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Gharibi, and Egyptian Navy Commander Vice Admiral Mahmoud Adel Fawzy toured shipyards and training facilities, signalling a new phase of bilateral naval engagement.
This visit follows persistent cooperation in large-scale exercises such as the Red Wave series and the U.S.-led Bright Star drills—both of which have seen Saudi participation and Egyptian leadership.
Analysts say the partnership is being driven by shared strategic interests: both countries face heightened maritime risk in the Red Sea region, including attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi forces in Yemen and disruptions to global trade through the Suez Canal.
In that context, the pathway from manoeuvres to formalised protocols reflects a move toward a more institutionalised defence axis.
Additional reporting indicates that Egypt and Saudi Arabia are exploring the formation of a joint Red Sea naval force aimed at safeguarding the maritime corridor independently of external coalitions.
While full operational details remain under negotiation, the proposed unit would reinforce stability along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and support mega-projects such as Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea development zones.
The evolving relationship also has geopolitical resonance.
Cairo provides strategic depth and a gateway to North Africa for Riyadh, while Saudi investment and regional influence bolster Egypt’s economic and security posture.
Together, the countries’ alignment reflects a broader regional pivot toward autonomous defence frameworks as Western military guarantees show signs of strain.
As the two nations build out this maritime axis, attention will turn to the implementation of training programmes, logistical architecture and the operational launch of joint units.
If delivered, the cooperation could mark a durable shift in the security architecture of the Red Sea basin.
