NMIOTC Training in NIRC, Kuwait

From 30 November to 04 December 2025, a 5-member Mobile Education & Training Team (METT) from NMIOTC, led by the Commandant NMIOTC, delivered a Combined Modular Training on Contemporary Maritime Interdiction Operations at the NATO-ICI Regional Centre (NIRC) in the State of Kuwait. This marked the fifth instance in which NMIOTC successfully organized and delivered a week-long course to NIRC, reflecting the depth of cooperation and sustained support shared between the two Centres.

This training package was designed to introduce Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) as a critical enabler of maritime security. On the first day, Commandant NMIOTC delivered a keynote speech to present his Strategic foresight on Maritime Interdiction. Furthermore, the training covered elements of Maritime Force and Harbour Protection, Security of Critical Maritime Infrastructure and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)/Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defence in the maritime domain.

In total, 20 participants from the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Emergency Management Center, attended and actively participated in the training.

On the sidelines of the event, the NMIOTC Commandant had a meeting with NIRC Director, Counsellor Emad Al-Kandari, and Mr. Azzedine Salmane, Head of the NATO Office at the NIRC, with whom he discussed opportunities for future cooperation and further strengthening institutional ties.

The Commandant was also honored to be received by the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Kuwait, Mr. Ioannis Plotas, and the Ambassador of Canada to Kuwait, Ms. Tara Scheurwater, to discuss maritime security challenges and opportunities in the region.