Why in News?
The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is currently in the news because the Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 for the first time. This milestone, occurring at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, signifies India's growing role as a "Preferred Security Partner" in the Indian Ocean Region and its commitment to collaborative maritime capacity building.
Key Information about Combined Maritime Forces
- The CMF is the largest multinational naval partnership, focused on upholding the International Rules-Based Order.
- It includes 47 member nations, operates from Bahrain, and is led by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, with a UK Royal Navy Commodore typically serving as Deputy.
- Its mandate is voluntary, addressing counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, piracy, and regional cooperation across roughly 3.2 million square miles of international waters.
Five Combined Task Forces (CTFs)
The CMF operates through five specialized task forces:
| Task Force |
Focus Area |
Recent Updates |
| CTF 150 |
Maritime Security outside the Arabian Gulf |
Pakistan Navy assumed command on Jan 28, 2026. |
| CTF 151 |
Counter-Piracy operations |
Suppresses piracy and protects global commerce. |
| CTF 152 |
Arabian Gulf Security |
Qatar-led task force conducted "Joint Patrol-01" in late 2025. |
| CTF 153 |
Red Sea Security |
Focuses on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. |
| CTF 154 |
Maritime Training |
Currently commanded by India (Cmde Milind M. Mokashi) since Feb 2026. |
|
Significance of India’s Command (CTF 154)
- This marks the first time the Indian Navy has led a CMF task force. Under India's leadership, the task force prioritises five areas: Maritime Domain Awareness, Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction, Maritime Rescue, and Leadership Development. This reflects international confidence in India’s expertise and its role in maintaining stability.
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