By Noureddine Omar | 2024-11-20

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have been expanding their naval capabilities in response to escalating maritime threats.

The most urgent threat comes from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, who have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with a vast array of weapons, many of them supplied by the Iranian regime.

These include anti-ship ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs), per a senior US defense official.

Under its "Vision 2030" program, Saudi Arabia is establishing a domestic defense industry with shipbuilding capabilities.

The kingdom has purchased Avante 2200 corvettes equipped with advanced sonar systems from Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, and has plans to acquire four multi-mission surface combatants to further strengthen its naval fleet.

This modernization should encompass upgrading frigates, submarines, naval aircraft platforms, marine surveillance equipment and radar systems, Saudi military expert Mansour al-Shehri told Al-Fassel.

Meanwhile, Qatar has purchased Italian-made mini-submarines designed for challenging maritime environments, and has strengthened its fleet with training vessels and landing craft.

A 2016 agreement with Italy's Fincantieri will provide Qatar with one landing helicopter dock amphibious ship, four frigates and two corvettes.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is enhancing its maritime presence through the Abu Dhabi-based Maestral project, a joint venture between Fincantieri and EDGE Group, to deliver 10 offshore patrol vessels to its Coast Guard.

Additionally, the UAE is developing USVs that can counter Iranian sea mines.

Strategic partnerships

The most pressing issue for GCC militaries is training personnel to effectively operate the advanced systems, al-Shehri said, adding that strategic partnerships, particularly with the United States, offer crucial support.

The US Navy has conducted regular interdiction missions in the region's waters, intercepting weapons on ships bound for the Houthis.

"International naval forces conduct missions ranging from surveillance to preventing security threats and stopping weapons, contraband and drug smuggling," al-Shehri said.

Collective defense approaches are important, Emirati military expert Abdullah al-Ameri told Al-Fassel, noting that the strengthening of naval capabilities "is best done through coordination, given the shared interests and outcomes."

Al-Ameri also advocated for including Egypt in regional security initiatives, citing its strategic Red Sea location and recent naval upgrades.

He said Iranian maritime threats extend beyond regional security to global commerce, particularly affecting Suez Canal shipping routes.