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,” 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 the Kingdom and the Sultanate.
Details of the maneuvers and combat exercises
The exercise involved a series of complex military operations designed to enhance combat readiness. The exercise commander, Rear Admiral Mohammed bin Ayed Al-Otaibi, explained that participating forces conducted realistic scenarios, including live-fire exercises and missile launches by His Majesty's ships, showcasing the high level of armament and professionalism of the naval crews.
The exercises included diverse scenarios such as counter-terrorism operations at sea, boarding and inspection procedures for suspicious vessels, and complex search and rescue operations. The maneuvers also encompassed advanced electronic warfare training, countering attacks by explosive-laden speedboats, securing maritime routes, and protecting merchant ships from potential threats, with active participation from naval helicopters.
The strategic importance of the exercise
The “Winds of Peace” exercises are of paramount importance due to their strategic geographical location. The maritime region surrounding the Sultanate of Oman and the Arabian Sea is one of the world’s most vital waterways for energy transport and international trade. This exercise enhances the capabilities of the two countries’ naval forces to protect international shipping lanes and ensure the safe flow of global trade, a cornerstone of global economic security.
Strengthening joint Gulf cooperation
This exercise is not merely tactical; it represents a continuation of a long history of military cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. These ongoing drills underscore the shared destiny and objectives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, and their continuous pursuit of unified operational military concepts. This joint coordination contributes to enhancing the efficiency of rapid response to any emergencies or threats that may affect the region's security, thus strengthening the collective security framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In conclusion, the military leaders praised the outstanding level demonstrated by the participants from both sides, as they showed high discipline and professionalism in implementing the plans set, which confirms the readiness of the Saudi and Omani naval forces to deter any potential maritime threats.
