Saudi Gazette report

ABU DHABI — The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Saudi Air Defense Force participated along with air forces from several friendly countries in the joint air exercise, called “ATLC-35 Air and Missile Warfare Center Exercise” concluded in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.

During the exercise, the RSAF Tornado aircraft completed their training sorties, which included defensive and offensive air operations, close air support, combat search-and-rescue missions, night flying, training on tactical night airdrops, and air-to-air refueling. These exercises contributed to enhancing the efficiency of aircrews and their ability to carry out missions under various operational conditions.

Lt. Col. Hamad Al-Harbi, commander of the RSAF participating contingent, stated that the mission achieved its desired objectives, including the exchange of military expertise among participating forces and the enhancement of readiness and combat efficiency in an environment that simulates real wartime conditions.

He affirmed that the exercise successfully refined the skills of the participating pilots and ground crews and enhanced their professionalism. This achievement reflects the advanced level and excellence attained by the RSAF and highlights the esteemed standing of the Saudi armed forces at regional and international levels.

He added that the exercise included a range of joint training activities that demonstrated the high level of coordination and integration among the participating forces, and their ability to plan and execute joint air operations with professionalism.

The joint air exercise “ATLC-35 Air and Missile Warfare Center Exercise” comes as part of a series of joint air drills aimed at exchanging expertise, developing aerial combat tactics, and enhancing military cooperation among participating countries, contributing to higher levels of operational coordination and combat readiness in support of joint military efforts.