The conclusion of the "Winds of Peace" exercise between the Saudi and Omani navies
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded their active participation in the joint bilateral naval exercise "Winds of Peace 2026," held in the Sultanate of Oman with the Royal Navy of Oman. The closing ceremony was attended by a number of military leaders from both brotherly nations, reflecting the depth of military relations and strategic cooperation between Riyadh and Muscat.
Details of the maneuvers and specialized training exercises
The exercise involved a series of complex military operations designed to enhance the combat readiness of participating units. The exercise commander, Rear Admiral Mohammed bin Ayed Al-Otaibi, explained that the maneuvers included scenarios simulating modern maritime threats. The training encompassed live-fire missile and ammunition exercises conducted by Royal Saudi Navy vessels in the operational theater, as well as maritime counterterrorism drills, search and rescue operations, mine warfare, and countering attacks by explosive-laden speedboats.
The training schedule also included naval aviation operations, precise applications of the right to visit and inspect suspicious vessels, and advanced training in the field of electronic warfare, demonstrating the high level of professionalism possessed by the personnel of the Saudi and Omani navies.
Strategic importance and protection of international waterways
The "Peace Winds" exercises are of paramount strategic importance due to their location in a vital geographical area. These drills are part of ongoing efforts to secure international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea and surrounding regions, which are a crucial artery for global energy supplies and international trade. Cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman is a cornerstone for ensuring the stability of these vital waterways and protecting them from any potential threats, whether piracy or unconventional military threats.
Strengthening Gulf military cooperation
This exercise is part of a series of joint exercises aimed at unifying military concepts and exchanging combat expertise among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The success of "Winds of Peace" reflects the significant development in joint operations systems and the ability to respond rapidly to maritime emergencies. Participating forces demonstrated their ability to work as a unified team and exhibit high-level coordination in command and control, thus strengthening the collective security system in the region and confirming the readiness of naval forces to address various regional and international challenges.
