A SENIOR US commander has stressed the importance of regional partnerships to tackle maritime threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and cruise missiles.
Fifth Fleet commander Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo said regional navies should remain “vigilant” .
As the risk from cruise missile and UAS attacks grows, we must deny, degrade and disrupt the adversary’s ability to target any maritime vessel, said Vice Admiral Paparo.
“We have to remain vigilant.
“In such a dynamic environment, threat conditions can shift rapidly, making the need for enduring partnership, co-operation and information sharing even more critical.”
He was speaking at the third Manama Air Power Symposium (MAPS 2020) that concluded on Tuesday and was attended by defence officials, policy makers and industry leaders from more than 25 countries.
They discussed developments in military air power, specifically air defence in high tempo, networked environments.
Vice Adm Paparo emphasised the need for strong regional partnerships.
“The strategic environment is always evolving, and we must evolve with it to remain viable, relevant and effective,” he said during pre-recorded remarks.
Originally scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Air Show, MAPS 2020 was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The international conference featured discussions on the most pressing issues in air power and missile defence in light of recent experiences and lessons learned in the region over the past year.
Vice Adm Paparo asserted that defending against air-based threats is crucial in the larger combined effort to support regional security, especially in maritime field.
“We are committed to upholding the international rules-based order, ensuring the free flow of commerce, the interoperability between navies, industry and joint partners, and maintaining those relationships,” he stressed.
Iranian forces briefly boarded a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman near Strait of Hormuz in August.
The oil tanker, MV Wila was eventually released by Iranian forces while a Bahrain-based coalition – International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) captured the moment an Iranian Sea King helicopter hovered above the vessel and armed Iranian personnel fast-roped aboard the ship.
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