By Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | October 16, 2024
241014-A-OY266-1009 U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 14, 2024) U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and United Arab Emirates forces kicked off exercise Iron Defender 24 integrating an unmanned surface vessel. Iron Defender 24 is a bilateral maritime exercise with UAE Naval Defense Forces designed to enhance interoperability and readiness, fortify military-to-military relationships and advance operational capabilities, allowing participating naval forces to effectively develop the necessary skills to address threats to regional security, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce. (Photo by Official U.S. Army photo)
U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces joined the United Arab Emirates naval defense force for exercise Iron Defender 24, Oct. 14-24. This maritime exercise will take place in the UAE and its territorial and coastal waters.
The combined bilateral exercise is designed to broaden levels of cooperation, support long term regional security, and enhance interoperability. Scenarios included: visit, board, search and seizure, unmanned system integration, harbor defense, diving, medical training, and training at sea.
This is one of many exercises in which the U.S. military participates with partner nations in the Middle East intended to enhance partnerships and interoperability.
The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.