Is War Imminent? U.S. & Saudi Arabia Complete Massive Naval Drill as Middle East Tensions Hit the Breaking Point
U.S. and Saudi naval forces have completed "Indigo Defender 2026," a high-stakes bilateral exercise in the Red Sea. Featuring the USS Delbert D. Black, the drill focused on securing critical global choke points against escalating threats from Tehran and its proxies.
As regional friction with Iran reaches a boiling point, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ (RSNF) West Fleet have successfully concluded Indigo Defender 2026. The bilateral exercise, which ended on Thursday (February 5, 2026), served as a high-visibility demonstration of the military alliance between Washington and Riyadh.
More than 50 U.S. personnel, including specialized damage control, maritime engagement, and security teams from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, joined Saudi forces for the drill.
The USS Delbert D. Black, a sophisticated Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, played a central role in the maneuvers. This follows the ship's recent strategic port call in Eilat, Israel, further cementing its role in the current regional buildup.
Training focused on protecting vital maritime arteries, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb, waterways that are currently under intense pressure from Iranian-backed proxies.
The conclusion of Indigo Defender comes at a time of "unprecedented" military movement in the 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility. The Trump administration has maintained a dual-track policy: maintaining visible, heavy-pressure deterrence while simultaneously engaging in indirect talks with Tehran. Experts note that these joint exercises are designed to ensure that if diplomacy fails, the coalition is prepared for immediate, integrated combat operations.
"By continuing to train together, we strengthen our collective ability to support maritime security and stability in the region," stated Capt. Kelley Jones, commander of Task Force 55, following the exercise's conclusion.