Gulf Unity at Sea: ‘Union 25’ naval exercise concludes with high readiness
. . . forms part of a broader series of joint Gulf exercises aimed at enhancing combat readiness, strengthening interoperability in maritime missions, and improving preparedness to defend territorial waters and protect national economic interests; drills strengthen GCC
The joint naval exercise “Union 25”, conducted by the Kuwaiti Naval Force at the Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base with the participation of naval units from GCC member states and the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, concluded on Thursday under the patronage and in the presence of the Minister of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.
Following the conclusion of the drills, the Defense Minister affirmed that unified military action and the integration of efforts among Gulf forces form a fundamental pillar for strengthening maritime security across the region.
He stressed that joint Gulf defense cooperation serves as a solid barrier against various threats and risks and remains essential to safeguarding the stability of GCC nations, reports Al-Rai daily.
Sheikh Abdullah added that advancing collective defense capabilities reflects the high vision of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, praising the dedication and professionalism of the participating naval forces in planning and executing the exercise.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defense noted that the minister received a detailed briefing on all exercise stages, including field scenarios, joint naval operations management, and training on countering threats in multiple operational theaters. He also observed a combined demonstration showcasing the participants’ high level of readiness.
For his part, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Khaled Al-Shuraian expressed his appreciation for the professional performance demonstrated throughout the exercise.
He noted that the planning, tactical coordination, and execution displayed by the naval forces reflected a marked advancement in their operational capabilities.
Lt. Gen. Al-Shuraian added that the diversity of simulated scenarios and the testing of command-and-control systems contributed to enhancing the competence of participating naval crews. He stressed that the exercise’s primary objective was to bolster joint operations management and planning, reinforcing military integration and cooperation among GCC countries.
The ministry stated that “Union 25” forms part of a broader series of joint Gulf exercises aimed at enhancing combat readiness, strengthening interoperability in maritime missions, and improving preparedness to defend territorial waters and protect national economic interests.
The closing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshaal Al-Sabah, National Guard Undersecretary Lt. Gen. Hamad Al-Barjas, Deputy Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Pilot Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Chief of the General Fire Force Maj. Gen. Talal Al-Roumi, and Major General Majbel Bin Shawq, Head of the Border Security and Coast Guard Sector at the Ministry of Interior, along with military attachés and senior officers from Kuwait and participating forces.
