Demonstrating robust military-to-military relations, the Kuwait Armed Forces and the U.S. military conducted a bilateral maritime drill code-named Eager Defender 24 (ED24) in Kuwait and the North Arabian Gulf in January and February 2024.
The Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard, U.S Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command joined forces in the drill that was led by U.S. Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5).
Naval forces from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, as well as observers from the Gulf Cooperation Council, also took part in the exercise, according to the Kuwait News Agency.
A 10-day joint exercise, ED24 focused on strengthening maritime security; visit, board, search and seizure; harbor security; unmanned systems operations; small unit naval infantry tactics; and joint command and control operations. It culminated with a combined multinational amphibious landing.
ED24 helped troops acquire skills to increase interoperability, address security threats and reinforce partnerships in the region.
“This joint naval exercise demonstrates the level of cooperation and commitment of the participating forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to their allies in friendly countries, led by the United States and the United Kingdom,” said Assistant Director of ED24 Kuwaiti Navy Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Arifi.
“Exercise Eager Defender is a unique opportunity to raise the level of integration and cooperation capabilities among the participating militaries, which enhances the collective capability to address diverse security challenges in the region.”
In April 2024, Kuwait celebrated the 20th anniversary of its designation by the U.S. as a major non-NATO ally. Under U.S. law, that status provides foreign partners with benefits in economic and security cooperation. Brig. Gen. Matthew Reid, commander of TF 51/5, called Eager Defender a testament to the enduring partnership between Kuwait and the U.S.
“Exercise Eager Defender 24 highlights our shared commitment to regional security and the preservation of peace. … By working together, the Kuwait Armed Forces and U.S. military are strengthening our capabilities and preparedness,” Brig. Gen. Reid said.