Joint US-Saudi Naval Exercises Concludes, Air Force Exercises Launched

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the kingdom had begun joint air exercises with the United States.

The US Central Command has also posted pictures of its B-52 fighter jets in the Gulf on Twitter.

1/3 – B-52s from @TeamBarksdale flew over the @CENTCOM theater yesterday during a Bomber Task Force mission, aimed at strengthening partnerships in the region and showcasing the @usairforce Global Reach capability. pic.twitter.com/r6KiIETejy

— US AFCENT (@USAFCENT) January 28, 2021

It is to be noted that the joint exercises of the US and Saudi air forces have started at a time when on the other hand, the recent multinational exercises have come to an end. Defender 21 naval exercises involving forces from Saudi Arabia, the United States and the United Kingdom began last week at the King Abdulaziz Naval Base in the eastern region of Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

The joint exercises began in the presence of Maj. Gen. Majid bin Hazza al-Qahtani, commander of the Saudi navy. The exercises were attended by US Navy troops as well as British Minesweepers and the Royal Saudi Navy. The exercises are aimed at strengthening maritime security, securing regional waters and promoting war preparations and naval security cooperation between allied countries, especially those participating in the exercises, by exchanging war experiences.

Director of the exercises, Brigadier General Awad Al-Enezi, explained that the “Naval Defender” exercises are aimed at promoting maritime security, protecting territorial waters, beaches and ports, increasing military cooperation and the Royal Saudi Navy and US and British navies. The exchange of combat experiences between the forces.

Also Read

Change Of US Policy: Biden Suspends Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia, UAE

The Biden administration has temporarily frozen billions of dollars in arms deals...