JEDDAH — The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition has moved closer to operational deployment after reaching initial operational capability, with representatives from 41 countries meeting in Jeddah to coordinate capabilities and prepare for operations in its maritime area of responsibility.The coalition held its fourth planning meeting at the Western Fleet Command on Thursday, bringing together 154 naval commanders, planners, ambassadors and European Union representatives.The meeting marked the coalition’s continued transition from its establishment phase to active operations. Having achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), the coalition is now integrating participating countries’ capabilities and preparing for operational execution and a physical presence in the maritime area of operations.Participants reviewed progress made since the previous planning phase and developments in countries formally joining the coalition, with several states having signed its charter and joint statement.The coalition currently has 28 liaison officers, while participating countries are working to identify their respective capability contributions to support coordinated and integrated multinational defensive operations.The fourth planning meeting shifted the focus toward strengthening operational readiness, preparing participating capabilities to operate under a unified command and eventually deploying them to begin missions within the coalition’s area of responsibility.The coalition said protecting freedom of navigation and maritime routes and straits represents a shared international interest requiring effective partnerships, diverse capabilities and a collective response.Its mission is focused on supporting the security and safety of maritime navigation in accordance with international law through a multinational operational framework based on unified command, integrated capabilities, information sharing and coordinated efforts to address threats to maritime navigation.