Saudi Armed Forces Participate in Multinational Military Exercise in Turkey
In a show of strength and cooperation, the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces are currently engaged in a multinational military exercise in the Turkish city of Izmir, as announced by the Kingdom’s Defense Ministry on Wednesday.
Warm Welcome and Intensive Training
Upon their arrival in Turkiye for the field-exercise phase of EFES 2024, the Saudi units received a warm welcome from the military attache at the Saudi embassy in Ankara, Commodore Adel Al-Kalthami, along with the exercise director from the Kingdom, Brig. Gen. Nasser Al-Suhaimi, and other officers from different branches of the Armed Forces.
Two Phases of Intense Training
The multinational exercise consists of two main phases. The first phase involved a rigorous command-center exercise at the Multinational War Center in Istanbul and the Joint Command Training Center in Izmir, which started on April 25 and concluded on Wednesday. The second phase, focusing on live-firing field exercises at Izmir’s Doganbey Firing and Exercise Area, will kick off on Friday and run until May 30.
Enhancing Skills and Cooperation
Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, the head of the Saudi Armed Forces Education and Training Authority, emphasized that the participation of Saudi forces in the exercise reflects the leadership’s commitment to developing their capabilities and enhancing their organizational, training, and armaments skills.
The exercise serves as an invaluable opportunity for forces from various nations to exchange skills, train together in planning and coordinating joint operations in different environments, improve combat efficiency, and boost military cooperation.
Field Maneuvers and Tactical Operations
During the exercise, Saudi units and their counterparts from other countries will engage in a series of field maneuvers on land and sea, including sea-landing operations, search and rescue missions, and responses to drone threats. They will utilize light arms loaded with live ammunition and other weaponry to simulate real-life scenarios and enhance their tactical capabilities.