The Peace Winds exercise between Saudi Arabia and Oman concluded with specialized training drills
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces and their counterparts, the Royal Omani Naval Forces, concluded the joint bilateral naval exercise “Winds of Peace,” which took place in the Sultanate of Oman, in the presence of a select group of high-ranking military leaders from both brotherly countries, bringing to a close days of intensive and high-quality training.
Details of the maneuvers and specialized training exercises
The exercise featured a wide range of complex military scenarios simulating modern maritime threats. The activities included precise naval aviation training, counterterrorism operations in maritime environments, and the application of visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) procedures for suspect vessels. The maneuvers also encompassed search and rescue operations, electronic warfare training, and countering attacks by explosive-laden speedboats, reflecting the high level of readiness of the participating forces to secure maritime routes and protect commercial vessels from any potential aggression.
Strategic importance and regional context
The “Winds of Peace” exercises hold significant strategic importance given the vital geographical location shared by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, as both countries overlook some of the world’s most important shipping lanes for energy transport and international trade. This military cooperation comes at a time of increasing need to enhance regional maritime security to ensure the stability of shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf, reflecting both countries’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region and deterring any threats that could harm global economic interests.
Strengthening Gulf military cooperation
This exercise is an extension of the long-standing historical relations between Riyadh and Muscat, and an activation of the joint military cooperation agreements among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These ongoing exercises aim to unify military operational concepts and enhance inter-agency coordination, thus facilitating the efficient and effective execution of future joint operations. The exchange of expertise in such exercises is a fundamental pillar for developing the combat capabilities of naval crews and modernizing command and control systems.
Results of the exercise and readiness of the forces
The exercise commander, Rear Admiral Mohammed bin Ayed Al-Otaibi, confirmed the success of the maneuvers in achieving all their objectives, praising the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the participants. He explained that His Majesty's ships conducted precise missile and live-fire exercises in the operational theater, demonstrating their high combat efficiency and accuracy in hitting targets. Al-Otaibi noted that the exercise enhanced rapid response capabilities and unified planning and preparation concepts between the two sister navies.
