RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced the start of the “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The exercise is being conducted with the participation of branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including land, air, naval and air defense forces, in addition to the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council and military forces from 15 allied and partner countries.

Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest air exercises in the region, aims to enhance military partnerships, strengthen the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, raise combat readiness and achieve advanced levels of operational coordination and integration among participating forces.

The exercise includes a series of advanced training activities, such as joint and combined tactical operations, specialized academic lectures and operational missions designed to improve the performance of aircrews, technical and support personnel.

It also evaluates modern military tactics, including electronic and cyber warfare, within a multidimensional operational environment that simulates real operational conditions.

Forces participating in the exercise include those from Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkiye, the UK and the US.

Spears of Victory 2026 is being conducted at the Air Warfare Center, one of the most advanced training facilities in the region, supporting the development of combat plans, the assessment of capabilities and the testing and evaluation of systems and weapons.