RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force, along with personnel from several allied nations, kicked off Desert Flag at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the multinational military exercise, started from Monday, will run for three weeks and will include various flight-related activities such as defensive and offensive counter-air operations, close-air support, and combat search and rescue missions.
Participating nations include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Turkey, the US, France, and South Korea.
Lt. Col. Adel bin Saeed Abu Malha, commander of the Saudi air force group, stated that the exercise aims to facilitate the exchange of military expertise in strategic planning and execution within a simulated wartime environment.
It also seeks to enhance the operational readiness and combat efficiency of air and technical-support crews while strengthening the bonds between participating nations’ forces.
Abu Malha mentioned that six Saudi F-15SA fighter jets, along with their full air, technical, and support crews, are taking part in the exercise.
The Saudi air force group commenced their preparations at Al-Dhafra Air Base last week, where they were welcomed by Brig. Gen. Khalid Alhajiri, the military attaché at the Saudi Embassy in the UAE.
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