The United States Navy and Saudi Arabia’s Royal Naval Forces have successfully concluded Indigo Defender, a bilateral naval exercise aimed at strengthening interoperability and operational readiness, according to US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).
Indigo Defender is an annual joint drill designed to enhance military cooperation at both operational and tactical levels between the two allied forces. The exercise focused on improving coordination, maritime security capabilities, and joint response readiness in the region.
NAVCENT said the training included damage control operations, maritime engagement drills, and security team exercises, involving personnel from the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. More than 50 US servicemembers participated in the exercise.
Captain Kelley Jones, commander of Task Force 55, stated that continued joint training strengthens the ability of both countries to support regional maritime security and stability.
US Consul General Rafik Mansour highlighted the long-standing partnership between Washington and Riyadh, noting that exercises like Indigo Defender reinforce shared security interests and regional stability.
The exercise also saw the participation of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119), further underscoring the operational scope of the drill.
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