Monday 05 / January / 2026
Riyadh: The Gulf Shield 2026 exercise commenced on Sunday in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the participation of the Royal Air Force of Oman, as part of a joint air exercise conducted by the air forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The exercise comes within the framework of enhancing military readiness levels and developing joint operational mechanisms, in a manner that achieves the highest standards of coordination and integration across various operational environments, in line with internationally approved best practices.
Gulf Shield 2026 includes a comprehensive set of procedures, tests, and operational scenarios designed to assess combat efficiency and the effectiveness of response to diverse challenges. This contributes to strengthening the joint deterrence system and enhancing its flexibility and readiness.
The exercise represents an advanced model of air defense cooperation among GCC countries, reaffirming their preparedness to confront current and future threats. It also reinforces the concept of joint military action as a cornerstone for maintaining the security, stability, and safety of GCC states.
