US, Saudi forces conduct largest counter-drone exercise

RIYADH, Sept. 18 (YPA) – The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Saudi Armed Forces have launched the largest joint military exercise to date aimed at countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the Middle East. The exercise, named “Red Sands,” began on September 7 in northeastern Saudi Arabia.

The drills come at a critical time amid escalating drone and missile attacks launched by Sanaa forces in Yemen, which have increasingly targeted sensitive and strategic sites deep inside Israeli territory.

In response to this growing threat, Washington and Riyadh have intensified their military coordination. The ongoing exercise involves over 300 military personnel and 20 advanced systems aimed at  identifying  ‘best in breed’ systems for detecting, tracking and eliminating modern aerial drone threats.

According to officials, Red Sands is a clear signal of a new level of defense cooperation between the two countries, aimed at strengthening joint aerial defense capabilities and enhancing interoperability in the face of evolving regional threats.

The training seeks to bolster joint command and control systems and ensure rapid response to any future aerial incursions, particularly those involving unmanned aircraft.

The exercise coincided with a visit Tuesday by Admiral Brad Cooper, the new CENTCOM commander, on his first regional trip since taking command. Cooper was joined by Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Raqed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff for the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center.

@E.Y.M