Joint air show marks end of Gulf Shield 2026 as Kuwait, GCC boost defense integration

The Kuwaiti army has concluded its participation in the Gulf Shield 2026 military exercise, which was held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the participation of the air forces and air defense units of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside the Unified Military Command.

In a statement, the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army said the exercise falls within ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and raise combat readiness levels among GCC forces.

The drills included advanced operational scenarios simulating multi-dimensional air and missile threats, in addition to joint air maneuvers and integrated field exercises. The activities focused on enhancing interoperability, improving command and control systems, and increasing efficiency within a joint operations environment, reports Al-Rai daily.

The General Staff stressed that Gulf Shield 2026 is one of the most prominent pillars of military cooperation among GCC states and reflects continued efforts to deepen defense integration and strengthen the collective ability to respond to regional and international challenges.

At the conclusion of the exercise, participating forces staged a joint air show, showcasing a high level of operational harmony, coordination and integration, as well as the ability to plan and execute missions according to unified operational concepts and advanced professional standards.