Amir calls for advanced defense readiness during landmark visit to Ministry of Defense

His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, paid an evening visit to the Ministry of Defense (G1), accompanied by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Upon arrival, His Highness was received by the Minister of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General Khaled Daraj Al-Shuraiaan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishal Mubarak Al-Sabah, and the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Major General Pilot Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Strengthening National Defense

In a speech delivered during the visit, the Amir extended Ramadan and national holiday greetings to military and civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defense, expressing appreciation for the armed forces’ role in safeguarding the homeland by land, sea, and air and reinforcing security and stability across Kuwait.

His Highness praised the ministry’s recent achievements and stressed the importance of continuing implementation of the 2025–2030 strategic plan aimed at strengthening institutional performance and modernizing the defense system in line with regional and international developments.

He also commended efforts to expand international military cooperation, enhance joint operational mechanisms, and promote technology transfer, highlighting the opening of the “Naif” factory for light ammunition as a milestone in supporting national defense capabilities.

The Amir further praised initiatives to empower women within the military establishment, noting the enrollment of the first batch of female university graduates as an important step reflecting confidence in their competence and contributions.

Directives to Enhance Readiness

Reaffirming leadership support for the armed forces, His Highness issued several directives to military commanders, emphasizing the importance of field presence and surprise inspections to assess operational readiness and improve performance efficiency.

He called for strengthening military infrastructure, particularly storage facilities and vehicle maintenance systems, to ensure sustained combat readiness. The Amir also underscored the importance of investing in human resources through continuous training, accountability measures, and leadership development programs to maintain high professional standards.

Among other priorities, His Highness highlighted expanding defense partnerships, strengthening Gulf and Arab military cooperation, unifying operational concepts among forces, and enhancing coordination with international partners.

He also stressed the need to protect digital infrastructure, reinforce governance standards, and apply the highest levels of financial and administrative transparency to support institutional discipline within the defense establishment.

Concluding his remarks, the Amir prayed for continued security, stability, and prosperity for Kuwait, honoring the nation’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of the homeland.

Army Leadership Highlights Key Developments

For his part, the Chief of the General Staff affirmed the armed forces’ commitment to implementing the Amir’s directives and advancing military readiness across all sectors. He expressed appreciation for the leadership’s continued support and emphasized that the Kuwaiti Army is moving forward with plans to strengthen defense capabilities and achieve the highest levels of operational preparedness.

He outlined several major initiatives undertaken over the past year, including the formation of an Army Capabilities Development Team tasked with shaping future defense strategies and preparing the 2026–2030 military plan while involving young officers in leadership and planning roles.

Among the key achievements highlighted was the opening of the Naif Light Ammunition Factory, described as a strategic step toward localizing military industries and enhancing national security systems serving the armed forces, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Guard.

The army has also advanced in the field of unmanned aerial systems through the establishment of a directorate dedicated to assembling and manufacturing field drones. The first locally assembled unmanned aerial vehicle, “Habari 1,” successfully completed a test flight earlier this year, marking progress toward developing a domestic drone industry.

Additionally, the armed forces have introduced artificial intelligence and cybersecurity capabilities into their organizational structure, recognizing their growing importance in modern warfare and decision-making systems. Efforts are also underway to develop human resources and attract young Kuwaiti talent, including the upcoming graduation of the first batch of female officers in cooperation with the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences.

The Chief of Staff added that the Ministry of Defense continues to strengthen cooperation with national institutions — including the Ministries of Interior and other security bodies — as well as with regional and international partners through joint exercises, training programs, and exchange visits.

At the conclusion of the visit, His Highness received a commemorative gift, signed the ministry’s guestbook, and met with senior officials.

The Amir was accompanied by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Head of the Crown Prince’s Diwan Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and a number of senior state officials.