U.S. Navy and Global Allies Launch International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025

This week marked the commencement of significant academic discussions on naval strategy and disaster response coordination, laying the groundwork for a prominent training event. The International Maritime Exercise (IMX25) commenced under the auspices of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. This intensive 12-day naval drill is in tandem with Cutlass Express, an exercise conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa annually. These exercises focus on enhancing regional maritime awareness and building the joint capabilities of partner nations to tackle maritime threats. Through robust information sharing, these exercises aim to bolster inter-theater coordination, thereby strengthening the abilities and interoperability of U.S. and allied nations.

With participation from over 5,000 personnel representing more than 35 nations and international organizations, the exercise signifies an unprecedented collaboration. IMX exemplifies a global commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order. It provides a rare platform for countries to engage and highlight regional maritime security partnerships.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Jeff Jurgemeyer, NAVCENT vice commander, accentuated the importance of collaboration during the opening remarks. “Exercises like IMX demonstrate our peak performance through collective efforts. The Middle East holds unparalleled significance as a global trade nexus. Through IMX, we ensure the greatest potential for economic prosperity by safeguarding open international waterways,” he asserted.

The operational segment involves joint exercises focused on a range of crucial areas. These include mine and countermeasures, boarding operations, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence integration, explosive ordnance disposal, vessel defense, search and rescue operations, and large-scale casualty responses.

Having been established in 2012, this is IMX’s ninth iteration, symbolizing a continued commitment to regional security. The U.S. 5th Fleet’s operational domain spans approximately 2.5 million square miles, covering critical regions like the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea, to the strategic chokepoints of the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Bab al-Mandeb.