CENTCOM Leads Over 30 Nations in International Maritime Exercise IMX 2025
IMX has become a cornerstone of maritime cooperation in the Middle East, where strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal remain critical to global trade and security.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) successfully hosted the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, the largest multinational maritime security exercise in the Middle East, from February 9 to 20. The event brought together 5,000 personnel from more than 30 nations and international organizations, reinforcing a shared commitment to regional stability and the rules-based international order.
Led by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), the 12-day exercise provided a platform for enhanced cooperation among allies and partners. IMX 25 also linked with Cutlass Express, an annual U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa exercise aimed at strengthening maritime awareness and collective response capabilities.
"IMX 25 demonstrates the collective commitment of our respective allies and partners to support regional maritime security cooperation, increase interoperability, and strengthen security and stability in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.
Training and Operational Focus
IMX 25 covered a range of critical security operations, including:
A: Mine countermeasures and unmanned systems integration
B: rtificial intelligence applications for maritime security
C: Vessel defense and search and rescue operations
D: Mass casualty response exercises
Additionally, participants engaged in specialized training with Combined Task Force West (CTF-W) Headquarters, focusing on:
A: Explosive Ordnance Disposal and dive operations
B: Close Quarters Combat drills
C: Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) maneuvers
CTF-W also hosted eight partner nations for advanced maritime training, including six members of the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) Coast Guard, with exercises conducted in Aqaba, the Northern Red Sea, and Eilat.
IMX, now in its ninth iteration since its launch in 2012, has become a cornerstone of maritime cooperation in the Middle East, where strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal remain critical to global trade and security.
Recent years have seen rising maritime threats, including attacks on commercial vessels, illegal trafficking, and hostile drone activity, underscoring the need for enhanced regional security collaboration. By integrating cutting-edge technology and multinational expertise, IMX 2025 reaffirmed CENTCOM’s commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce and safeguarding international waters.
