MANAMA, Bahrain (July 22, 2026) – The International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), part of the International Maritime Organization, conducted virtual staff enhancement training (SET) for Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) personnel, recently.

The session “International Law and the Use of Unmanned Systems in Maritime Security Operations” was attended by more than 50 participants from 17 countries, demonstrating sustained multinational interest in emerging maritime security issues and dedication to its improvement.

“Enhancing our understanding of how we can operate safely with new and emerging technologies in the maritime domain is key to ensuring effective operations, now and in the future,” said Commodore Milind M Mokashi, commander, CTF 154. “Engaging with continued professional development with experts in their field is essential in ensuring we remain at the forefront of developments.”

Organized by Indian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, this marks IMO IMLI’s first dedicated training interaction with CMF under the Maritime Domain Enhancement Training framework and reflects the continued professional outreach by CTF 154 with specialist maritime legal institutions in support of CMF’s training and capacity-building mandate.

The session examined the legal implications of uncrewed and autonomous maritime systems in maritime security operations with many topics of discussion. Key themes included the distinction between various safety and regulatory frameworks, the continuing relevance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, legal status of uncrewed systems, use of force, accountability, and the distinction between peacetime law enforcement and armed conflict.

The SET reinforced CMF’s commitment to maintaining training momentum, strengthening shared professional understanding and deepening engagement with international institutions of maritime legal expertise.

CMF, headquartered in Bahrain alongside U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership. Comprising 47 nations, CMF promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, supporting the rules based international order and safeguarding global maritime commerce.