Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)

Category: International Relations & Maritime Security | GS Paper II and III

SEO Title: Combined Maritime Forces: Member Countries, Headquarters, Task Forces and Maritime Security

UPSC Notes

Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership focused on maritime security, cooperation and the protection of international shipping routes.

  • Headquarters: U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

  • Membership: 47 countries, according to the organisation's official website.

  • Purpose: Promote security, stability and freedom of navigation in strategically important international waters.

  • Operational area: Includes key shipping routes around the Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.

  • Task Force 150: Maritime security operations.

  • Task Force 151: Counter-piracy.

  • Task Force 152: Gulf maritime security.

  • Task Force 153: Red Sea maritime security.

  • Task Force 154: Maritime security training.

  • India's relevance: Participation provides opportunities for cooperation on maritime security, training and information-sharing.

    Combined Maritime Forces

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Key Pointers

  • CMF is a multinational naval partnership.

  • Headquarters: Bahrain.

  • Focus: Counter-piracy, maritime security and freedom of navigation.

  • CTF 151 is specifically associated with counter-piracy.

  • Do not confuse CMF with NATO or a treaty-based collective-defence alliance.