Twenty-four countries participate in Gulf Shield-1 drills in Jubail in the Eastern Province
RIYADH, April 15 (CIC) – A major joint military exercise with 24 countries to ensure effective partner response to emerging threats, as well as to support stability and security in the region is under way in Jubail, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Called Gulf Shield-1, the event integrates live-fire, coastal-defence and combat search-and-rescue drills, as well as naval warfare exercises and extensive flying operations. The exercises will continue until April 16.
“The drill constitutes two segments: traditional warfare and hybrid warfare,” said Brigadier General Abdullah Subaei, spokesman for Gulf Shield-1. “The event is also meant to demonstrate our ability to take joint military action, the region’s readiness to support Arab unity and its capacity to deter any threats”.
Brig Gen Subaei explained that the region had been facing many threats, including terrorism and extremism, adding: “This exercise demonstrates that we have the cooperation of friendly nations, our experience and expertise to deal with those threats.”
Further clarifying the objective of the exercise, the spokesman said it was intended at strengthening military and security cooperation, updating defence mechanisms, keeping abreast of rapidly evolving challenges and risks, and guaranteeing the region’s readiness to shift its stance from defence to attack in the face of any major threat.
A stable Gulf region will also generate investment opportunities and contribute to attracting foreign investment, the spokesman added.
Organised by the Saudi Ministry of Defence, Gulf Shield-1 is considered the largest in the region in terms of the number of participating nations, troops and equipment used.
