US-Saudi joint exercise ‘Earnest Leader 2017’ concludes

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http://www.arabnews.com/node/1143886/saudi-arabia
RODOLFO C. ESTIMO JR. | Published — Sunday 13 August 2017

RIYADH: US-Saudi ground forces on Thursday concluded their joint exercise “Earnest Leader 2017” in Tabuk, which aimed to develop and strengthen military relations, plans and programs between the two countries.

The joint exercise was held in the presence of Maj. Gen. Dhafer bin Ali Al-Shehri, commander of the Northwest Region, and Deputy Commander of the US Central Command Gen. Terrence McKenrick.

“We are very pleased with what we have seen between the interaction of our personnel and the U.S. personnel, enhancing their relationships,” said Al-Shehri during his closing statements. “We are also very happy to see the spirit of cooperation between all participants and the lessons learned that were gained from this exercise.”

“The successful execution of this exercise is a testament to the Royal Saudi Land forces, the United States Army, planners, Soldiers, as well as the gracious hospitality that has been extended to us,” said McKenrick.

This year’s Earnest Leader exercise focused Saudi and U.S. troops on border security and the logistical challenges faced in today’s irregular warfare environment, according to a US Central Command statement.

 

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RIYADH: Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) aircraft have arrived in the US to participate in the “Red and Green Flag 2017” exercise for the sixth time in a row.

The RSAF is participating in the exercise, held at Nellis air base, with 11 Typhoons, air and technical crews, and air control teams.

The aircraft flew 9,000 miles with newly graduated pilots who will participate in the training and engage in simulated battles.

The journey passed through difficult weather conditions, but the pilots’ skill and technical support staff were of great help.

The exercise entails a number of day and night flights aimed at planning joint execution of advanced combat operations.

It will also include the participation of combat aircraft for air protection functions; air interdiction and near-air support against stationary and mobile targets. They will counter hostile forces using advanced electronic systems. This will create a spirit of competition and challenge for participants, and create a near-combat environment.

The exercise is one of RSAF’s most important with the US Air Force and those of other countries.

 

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RIYADH: US forces praised the ability of Saudi pilots participating in the Red and Green Flag 2017 military exercise at Base, Nevada, said Lt. Col. Khalid Al-Yousuf. The participating Saudi pilots seek to portray an honorable image of the Kingdom in terms of capability, he added.

The Saudi Royal Air Force (SRAF) is participating with eight Typhoon aircraft, an A303MRTT and two transport planes.
The SRAF “remains one of the best (air forces) in the Middle East and the world, and the only force from the Middle East to participate in the exercise for the sixth time in a row,” said Al-Yousuf.

The participation of Saudi forces will benefit them greatly in training with advanced methods of air control and electronic warfare, he added.

The SRAF is keen to carry out joint exercises with friendly countries to raise troops’ combat readiness, he said.
Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Otaibi, SRAF commander, on Thursday inspected Saudi forces and said the pilots demonstrated great technical skills.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1151296/saudi-arabia

JEDDAH: Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Khaled bin Salman met with Saudi fighter pilots at the Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada Saturday to convey his thanks for their commitment to defending Saudi Arabia.
In a briefing with US Air Force officials, the Saudi envoy reaffirmed the strong defense ties between Saudi Arabia and the US.

The “Red and Green Flag 2017 joint military exercises strengthen our ability to work together against terrorist groups, including ISIS,” the envoy said through the Saudi Emabssy's official Twitter account, using a Western acronym for the Daesh terror group.

The Saudi ambassador visited the Nellis Air Force Base to observe joint exercises between the Royal Saudi Air Force and the US Air Force.

US forces lauded the Saudi pilots’ abilities, Lt. Col. Khalid Al-Yousuf said, adding that the pilots were working to show off the Kingdom in the best light possible.

The Royal Saudi Air Force participated in the joint exercises with eight Typhoon aircraft, an A303MRTT and two transport planes.