The mixed maritime exercise, “Marine Defender”, kicked off between the Saudi Royal Navy and US Navy in the King Abdulaziz Naval Base in al-Jubeil in the Eastern province. The drill was attended by Commander of the Saudi Royal Navy Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili and Commander of the US Fifth Fleet James Malloy. The two-week exercise aims to boost naval security, protect regional waters, bolster military cooperation and exchange combat experience. The forces will be trained on confronting various scenarios and use live ammunition. Air and land forces will also take part in the drill.