DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (February 21, 2025) – The Cutlass Express 2025 joint military exercises successfully concluded today at Lugalo Golf Club, bringing together 15 nations to address pressing maritime security challenges affecting the East African region and beyond. These exercises played a pivotal role in combating human trafficking, illegal fishing, smuggling, and piracy, promoting collaborative approaches to promote economic opportunities under the framework of the blue economy.
During the closing ceremony, Major General Ibrahim Mhona, Chief of Training and Combat Readiness for the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), emphasized the exercises' importance. "This exercise was important for fostering cooperation to address global security challenges," he stated. "When we talk about terrorism, human trafficking, and cybercrime, these are global issues. Since we share similar challenges, it is imperative to tackle them together. Effective collaboration is only possible if we train together. Interoperability is fundamental to our preparedness," he explained, underlining the exercises' role in enhancing cooperation among participating nations.
Andrew Lentz, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Tanzania, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the long-standing partnership between the US and Tanzania. "Cutlass Express 2025 was a reflection of this collaboration," he stated, highlighting the combined efforts to promote international maritime law and safeguard shipping lanes. He remarked on the mutual benefits of this arrangement, asserting, "The US is committed to strengthening cooperation through Africom and Navy Africa. This partnership not only addresses mutual security concerns but also enhances our capabilities to respond effectively to various threats."
Lieutenant General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of the US Africa Command (Africom), noted Tanzania's strategic significance not only within East Africa but on the African continent as a whole. "Tanzania is one of our strategic partners not only in East Africa but across the entire continent, one of our most valued partnerships," he said. He highlighted the hosting of two significant exercises, namely Justified Accord and Cutlass Express, as indicative of Tanzania's growing prominence and reliability as a partner.
Rear Admiral David Ludwa, representing the US Naval Forces Europe and Africa as well as the US Sixth Fleet, highlighted advancements achieved during the exercises. He stated, "We have continued to develop our maritime operations centres by enhancing partnerships and integrating various capabilities," showcasing the active role of the US Navy. He noted the establishment of direct communication between P-8 aircraft and operations centres as a key achievement, which will significantly improve maritime operational capabilities.
Reflecting on the progress made, he added, "We also enhanced visit, board, search, and seizure operations, ensuring we can follow through on legal enforcement against illicit activities, including trafficking, smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing. This exercise was successful in building on these capabilities for future operations."
The Cutlass Express exercises are part of U.S. Africa Command's larger Express series aimed at improving regional cooperation and the legal frameworks necessary for law enforcement. The exercises bring together military forces from various nations, allowing them to work on developing tactical strategies to tackle maritime threats effectively.
Overall, the Cutlass Express 2025 exercises not only showcased the importance of multilateral coordination in addressing transnational maritime challenges but also reinforced Tanzania's role as a key partner for the US and other nations involved. The collaborative spirit observed during these exercises sets the groundwork for continued partnerships aimed at enhancing maritime security and ensuring the safety of shipping routes integral to the global economy.