On February 21, 2025, the 15th iteration of Exercise Cutlass Express concluded with a closing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in multinational maritime cooperation.
Hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), this premier exercise brought together over 1,000 participants from 20 nations across five continents. Since its inception in 2011, Cutlass Express has evolved into a cornerstone of maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, uniting East African nations, Western Indian Ocean partners, and international allies to address shared challenges such as piracy, trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, the exercise aims to enhance maritime law enforcement, boost regional and national security, and improve interoperability among participating forces.
Running from February 10 to 21, Cutlass Express 2025 featured a comprehensive program of shore-based and at-sea training designed to test and refine participants’ skills in critical areas. Maritime interdiction and visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) training took place in Tanzania’s Tanga region and Mauritius, equipping forces with the tactics needed to intercept illegal activities at sea.
Specialized sessions also addressed the pervasive issue of IUU fishing, a threat to both economic and environmental stability in the region. Additionally, ten national Maritime Operation Centers (MOCs) from eight partner nations collaborated on real-time scenarios, enhancing regional coordination and response capabilities.
A notable highlight was the debut of a U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which established communication links during the exercise, marking a significant advancement in real-time coordination and surveillance.
The exercise also emphasized the integration of land and sea operations by linking with the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa-led Exercise Justified Accord 2025, also held in Tanzania. This connection underscored the importance of synchronized efforts across domains, as security threats often span both land and maritime environments.
Beyond tactical training, Cutlass Express included a week-long rule of law course in Seychelles, ensuring that maritime interdiction efforts are legally robust and aligned with international standards. This holistic approach—combining operational skills with legal frameworks—reinforced the exercise’s commitment to sustainable security solutions.
Rear Adm. David E. Ludwa, reserve director of logistics, ordnance, and engineering for Navy Reserve U.S. 6th Fleet, captured the exercise’s strategic significance: “Ensuring the free flow of commerce within the region, especially over critical sea lines of communication and the vast expanse of this maritime environment, is vital to the economic stability and security of the region. We must work together, deepen our partnerships, and continue to improve the quality of exercises like Cutlass Express.” His remarks highlighted the exercise’s role in fostering collaboration to counter multifaceted threats.
Andrew Lentz, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, praised the TPDF’s leadership during the closing ceremony: “We value the TPDF’s role as a regional leader in deploying peacekeeping forces, countering violent extremist organizations, and promoting maritime security. Through exercises like Cutlass Express, we are building the readiness of our militaries and deepening the relationships required to confront today’s most complex security challenges.”
The participation of countries from Australia, Belgium, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom further underscored the global commitment to safeguarding the Western Indian Ocean.
As one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. 6th Fleet, Cutlass Express is integral to a broader strategy for advancing U.S. interests while fostering stability in Europe and Africa. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. 6th Fleet continues to leverage collaborative institutions like Seychelles’ Regional Coordination Operations Centre to amplify regional maritime cooperation.
With each iteration, Cutlass Express expands in scope and participation, reflecting a deepening commitment to securing maritime corridors and promoting a shared vision for a secure and prosperous maritime environment.
The 2025 edition set a new standard with its use of advanced technology, emphasis on legal training, and unprecedented coordination among MOCs. Its success in Dar es Salaam reaffirmed the power of collective action in addressing the region’s manifold threats.
As global and regional partners continue to collaborate, the Western Indian Ocean stands poised for a safer, more prosperous future—a testament to the enduring partnerships forged through exercises like Cutlass Express.
