Cutlass Express 2025: A Dynamic Naval Drill Sets Sail in East Africa

Exercise Cutlass Express 2025, organized by U.S. Africa Command and facilitated by the U.S. 6th Fleet, unites over 20 multinational partners for a two-week training initiative. The exercise’s main goal is to enhance collaborative maritime security operations in the region.

Throughout this event, U.S. forces will collaborate with participating nations to boost maritime domain awareness and enhance international law enforcement capabilities. This initiative aims to increase interoperability among the U.S., African, and other multinational naval and coast guard forces.

“Cutlass Express continues to offer an excellent opportunity to work with our African partners on maritime security,” stated Vice Adm. J. T. Anderson, commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet. Combining strong partnerships with robust training ensures better security and economic prosperity beyond individual nations’ territorial waters.

The exercise will focus mainly on Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania while promoting information sharing across nine maritime operation centers. Cutlass Express 2025 is linked to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s International Maritime Exercise 2025, fostering improved coordination and strengthening U.S. and partner nation capabilities.

Simultaneously running with Cutlass Express 2025 is the U.S. Army’s Southern European Task Force’s Justified Accord 2025 in Kenya and Tanzania. This concurrent exercise focuses on refining crisis and counterterrorism responses, aiming to diminish global maritime threats effectively.

Nations participating in Cutlass Express 2025 include Belgium, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom.

As part of a comprehensive strategy to address maritime security concerns, Cutlass Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by the U.S. 6th Fleet, providing significant collaborative opportunities for African forces and international partners.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the U.S. 6th Fleet conducts joint and naval operations alongside allied partners and interagency entities to advance U.S. national interests and promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.