Kenya is among the countries that will lead this year’s US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) maritime exercise in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The 18-day biennial naval training event dubbed International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2022 is claimed to be the largest uncrewed exercise in the world.
The event which has attracted at least 9,000 participants from 60 member countries and organisations is aimed at equipping the participants with uncrewed solutions and artificial intelligence skills, to be applied in real-life situations.
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“This level of representation demonstrates shared resolve in preserving the rules-based international order. This is a unique opportunity to increase our capabilities and interoperability while strengthening maritime ties,” said US Naval Forces Central Command US 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces commander vice-admiral Brad Cooper.
The event will also incorporate exercise Cutlass Express (CE) and 80 unmanned systems in the West Indian Ocean and East African coastal regions.
The exercise has been divided into four geographical task forces led by the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, and Oman.
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Naval Technology reports that training will lay emphasis on improving capabilities in command and control, sea control, and maritime security operations, as well as mine countermeasures.
This year’s training will cover the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and North Indian Ocean.
The event will be concluded on February 17, 2022.
NAVCENT consists of the US 5th FLEET and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), serving together to maintain the stability and security of the region’s maritime environment. This combined force is comprised of US and multinational Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen and civilians committed to promoting prosperity through the freedom of the seas.
Commander, US Naval Forces Central Command and Commander, 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
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