Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) is participating with the Combat Group, alongside brotherly and friendly countries in the joint military drill “Gulf Shield 1” which is considered as one of the biggest military exercises in the region in terms of the number of participating forces and diversity of their experiences, weaponries and technologies.

The BDF Combat Group took its places in the exercise and completed all preparations to ensure utmost readiness to take part alongside other friendly and brotherly forces from the GCC, Arab and Islamic countries, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The BDF participation in the military drill is in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, which reflect keenness to bolster military cooperation among the GCC countries and achieve forecast integration.

Commander of the BDF Combat Group Brigadier Khalid Salman Al Ma’awda affirmed that participation in “Gulf Shield 1” drill underlines the importance of military cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the region. He noted that the exercise aims to boost the combat readiness of the participating forces and provide a distinguished operational training climate to exchange experiences and unify concepts.

The Gulf Shield 1 Joint Drill aims at bolstering military and security cooperation and coordination, announced the Saudi Defense Ministry.

The exercise also seeks to strengthen the role of the military and security in the Gulf states’ vision for their economy.

The month-long drill kicked off in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia on Sunday 18 March 2018 with the participation of 23 countries, in addition to the Saudi armed forces. 

It is considered the largest military drill in the region in terms of diversity of expertise and quality of weapons. It seeks to raise the military readiness of the participating countries, modernize joint mechanisms and enhance coordination and cooperation.

The Gulf Shield 1 drill is a turning point in terms of the techniques used in accordance with the most modern military systems in the world.

The importance of the drill was underlined by a recent statement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, when he said that the military and defense fields are among the most important sectors, especially given the regional challenges.

Separately, the Saudi and U.S. forces concluded on 14 March 2018 the Joint Friendship Military Drill 2018.

The exercise between the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) and the US Army concluded in the northern region of the Kingdom.

The drill was aimed at strengthening mutual military relations between the two sides, enhancing joint coordination and cooperation, unifying planning procedures and developing command and control operations in the battlefield.