JEDDAH: The last aircraft of the Royal Saudi Air Forces (RSAF) has arrived in Tunisia with their air, technical and support crews to participate in military exercises with the country’s air force.
RSAF aircraft were received by Brig. Gen. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Sahyan, the military attache of the Saudi Embassy in Tunisia, Col. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Shahrani, the commander of the exercise, and a number of Saudi and Tunisian officers.
Col. Al-Sahyan said that the arrival of aircraft marks the launching of the exercises with the Tunisian air forces. He said that the targets set for the exercise, including promoting cooperation and achieving common objectives to strengthen relations, are supported by both leaderships.
He noted that the Saudi armed forces receive the full support and care of King Salman and his crown prince to provide them with the best systems and capacities to increase their efficiency and improve their readiness.
Al-Shahrani said that aircraft and their air, technical and support crews were ready to start the drills. The training will include several military exercises that will help to improve the combat readiness of the air forces with the exchange of expertise in the field of technical support in maintenance, airlift and operational preparation. They will also be trained in mastering the implementation of air operations in an environment different from that of the Kingdom.
Pilot Maj. Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Harthi said that the fighter aircraft arrived successfully and on time, as planned.
The exercises are part of the annual Ministry of Defense training plans for the armed forces. They help to strengthen relations and cooperation between the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Tunisian Air Force, refine the skills of air crews, offer a chance to exchange experiences in the fields of technical supply and support, improve combat skills to enhance joint performance, and train air crews to carry out operations in different environments.
The maneuvers aim to highlight the capabilities, professionalism and readiness of the Saudi air forces.
The joint exercises, the first of their kind with the Tunisian Air Force, will last for two weeks and will lead to improvements in coordination and planning at strategic, operational and tactical levels.
