Cutlass Express (CE) is an exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and conducted by Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) to assess and improve maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security in eastern Africa, inform planning and operations, and shape security force assistance (SFA) efforts.

CE16 took place at sea in the vicinity of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mombasa, Kenya; and Seychelles, with coordination among regional maritime operations centers. Focused scenarios included the interdictioin of illicit arms, drugs, money, natural resources, WMD material, and people that pose a threat to regional stability, to international partners, or that resouce violent extremist organizationas (VEOs).

Cutlass Express demonstrates U.S. and partner nation commitment to regional stability and maritime security, with participating nations including Djibouti, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles, Uganda and the United States.

CE17 seeks to improve U.S. military capability to interoperate with the armed forces of eastern African nations and European allies and is linked with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM's)  international maritime exercise (IMX).