GCC Announces a Joint Military Command

[HRK]

GCC Announces a Joint Military Command | Defense News | defensenews.com

DUBAI — Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Wednesday announced the formation of a unified military command for the GCC countries.

The unified command set-up has been mandated to the GCC Joint Military Committee, according to a statement released by the council's secretariat at the end of the 34th Summit in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

The council also announced the establishment of the Gulf Academy for Strategic and Security Studies in the United Arab Emirates.

The academy will aim to bolster military cooperation through a unified education based institution, according to Matthew Hedges, analyst for the Institute of Near East and Gulf Military Analysis.

"The academy will look to increase knowledge transfer and greater comprehend a unified realization of threats across the entire GCC region," he said. "There will be an initial focus on missile defense, border security and counter terrorism.”

In the December 2000, the member states agreed to a joint defense agreement based on the principle that any aggression against a member state would be considered as aggression against all the GCC states.

The agreement obliged all the six states to provide military assistance to help each other. It further established a Joint Military Committee to supervise cooperation and promote collaboration in joint military exercises and coordination in the field of military industries.

"The declaration highlights the increasing construction of a regional security architecture which was started with the peninsula shield force and is an issue that is seen by outside observers to need more attention," Hedges added.

In 2006, Saudi Arabia circulated a proposal during the GCC summit meeting in Riyadh that called for the adoption of “centralized command and decentralized forces,” and to disband the Peninsula Shield force as a collective single military unit in the region.

The announcement came following years of indecision and non-movement. The kingdom proposed that each GCC state should designate certain military units to be part of the new structure and to station those units within each state’s national territory. The units would then be linked to a unified central command, according to a report published by Dr. Christian Koch of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German think tank.

However, what emerged was the 2009 agreement to create a joint force for quick intervention to address security threats, as was demonstrated in the UAE-Saudi intervention in Bahrain in 2011.

Last week, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel emphasized the need for greater cooperation between the GCC and the US, which will in turn sell weapons to the GCC nations as a single block. He added that the US wanted to expand missile defense cooperation in the region to combat threats.

The GCC statement also condemned Iran's continuation of the occupation of the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa island.

"The GCC continues to support of the right of sovereignty of the UAE over the three islands and considers any actions or practices carried out by Iran on the the islands null and void, as they do not change the historical facts and the legal rights and sovereignty of the UAE over the islands," said GCC Secretary General Abdel Latif Al Zayani.

 

[Kompromat]

Very good news for the GCC.

 

[HRK]

On the principle basis .... it is a welcome move but two things make me think about it differently ......

1- Missile defence , from whom and for whom .....???
2- Mechanism to deal with External & Internal threats .....??

 

[Devil Soul]

GULF AGREES JOINT MILITARY COMMAND...POLICE
GCC Hails Iran Shift...Wants More, Urges Foreign Forces To Leave Syria


KUWAIT CITY, Dec 11: Gulf Arab states demanded foreign militias quit Syria and said President Bashar al-Assad must have no future role Wednesday, in a declaration his Iran- and Hezbollah-backed regime denounced as meddling. Wrapping up a two-day annual summit in Kuwait City, the Gulf Cooperation Council’s leaders welcomed what they described as the new Iranian government’s shift to a positive policy toward the six-nation bloc. The GCC leaders also approved the formation of a joint military command, but postponed a decision on a proposed union. Adopting a firm stance on Syria, the GCC “strongly condemned the continued genocide that Assad’s regime is committing against the Syrian people using heavy and chemical weapons.” It called “for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Syria,” in a clear reference to Iran-backed Shiite militias from Iraq and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement which are supporting Assad’s troops against Sunni-led rebels.

The GCC backed the opposition National Coalition’s decision to attend a Geneva peace conference, saying the Jan 22 meeting should lead to the formation of a transitional government with extensive executive powers and in which Assad would have no role. “Pillars of the Syrian regime whose hands had been stained by the blood of the Syrian people must have no role in the transitional government or Syria’s political future,” the oil-rich nations said in their summit’s closing statement. In response, Syria strongly condemned the “inflammatory rhetoric of the Council’s statement on Syria. “Those who participated today in the summit in Kuwait, first among them the Saudi regime, have contributed in large part to the killing of Syrians and the destruction of their country,” said the foreign ministry. “Their sorrow about the suffering of the Syrian people is nothing more than crocodile tears.” But brushing aside differences with Iran on Syria, the GCC praised the Islamic republic’s overtures to Gulf Arab states. The Gulf states “welcome the new orientation by the Iranian leadership towards the Gulf Cooperation Council and hope it will be followed by concrete measures that would positively impact regional peace,” said the statement.

They also “welcome the interim deal signed by the P5+1 and Iran as a first step toward an inclusive and lasting agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme that would end international and regional concerns.” While welcoming the nuclear deal, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah told reporters the Gulf states would “monitor the issue closely and through direct consultations with our allies.” The GCC members, he added, had not requested to take part in negotiations for a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif toured the Gulf last week to assure some of its governments the nuclear deal was not at their expense, while calling for a new page in relations. Like Western powers, Gulf states fear Iran wants to develop atomic weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear programme. Iran says the programme is for peaceful purposes only. Ties between some Gulf states and Iran have also been strained over Tehran’s support for Assad and a Shiite-led uprising in Bahrain. This year’s summit was also held amid differences over a Saudi proposal to upgrade the GCC into a confederation. At the weekend, Oman — which reportedly hosted secret talks that led to the Iranian nuclear deal — threatened to pull out of the loose alliance if a union was announced, while Saudi Arabia, which is solidly backed by Bahrain, has insisted it is time to move ahead. Wednesday’s final statement said Gulf leaders had directed the ministerial council to continue consultations on the matter. Sheikh Sabah told reporters that “consultations will continue until we reach consensus.” However, the Gulf Arab leaders approved the creation of a unified military command “as part of efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability.” In a big step forward to consolidate Gulf joint security, the Gulf leaders agreed on the establishment of a joint military command and police.



By: Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff and Agencies
GULF AGREES JOINT MILITARY COMMAND...POLICE

 

[Yzd Khalifa]

Like any other nation on the planet, countries procure these systems to take counter-measures against any threat. For example, Turkey, Israel, and Iran have already deployed similar systems.

The anti-ballistic missile system option was on the table long time ago. The system will be installed in sensitive areas across the GCC. Both of the EU, and the US proposed an iron-dome like system to the GCC.

On the principle basis .... it is a welcome move but two things make me think about it differently ......

1- Missile defence , from whom and for whom .....???
2- Mechanism to deal with External & Internal threats .....??

The definition of " Defence Mechnism " is broad. It includes counter-terrorism, Cyberspace protections, restoring law and order in troubled areas, self-defensive measures, and any national secuirty threat or concern such as the recklessness of rouge states .

 

[HRK]

Like any other nation on the planet, countries procure these systems to take counter-measures against any threat. For example, Turkey, Israel, and Iran have already deployed similar systems.

The anti-ballistic missile system option was on the table long time ago. The system will be installed in sensitive areas across the GCC. Both of the EU, and the US proposed an iron-dome like system to the GCC.

The definition of " Defence Mechnism " is broad. It includes counter-terrorism, Cyberspace protections, restoring law and order in troubled areas, self-defensive measures, and any national secuirty threat or concern such as the recklessness of rouge states .

As i said on principle grounds it is a welcome move ..... any regional cooperation which result the stability and progress for the region is the need of ME ....., but keeping in mind the unique regional and international political & strategical dynamics of ME ...... I can not say for sure that, this development will only make a positive impact, it could go either way ..... so as of now my stance is 'wait and see' .... as the future is yet to be revealed .....

 

[elis]

In the December 2000, the member states agreed to a joint defense agreement based on the principle that any aggression against a member state would be considered as aggression against all the GCC states.

Noone gives a damn, they have committed suicide by attacking Syria, Hezbollah, Iran the axis of good

Just like Saddam the clown

 

[HRK]

Noone gives a damn, they have committed suicide by attacking Syria, Hezbollah, Iran the axis of good

Just like Saddam the clown

The mentality of labeling countries & groups like axis of evil or axis of good exist at both sides and it is the sign of mental illness ..... please buried this BUSH phenomena

 

[elis]

The mentality of labeling countries & groups like axis of evil or axis of good exist at both sides and it is the sign of mental illness ..... please buried this BUSH phenomena

Iran starts no wars since 200 years, don't behead

 

[Kompromat]

@JUBA @Yzd Khalifa @Bubblegum Crisis

Would GCC support the idea of a Joint Naval Command with Pakistan in a shared command and control agreement?

The idea is to turn GCC plus Pakistan Navy into a 'Unified Fleet', with mutually agreed future acquasitions to deter a 'mutually agreed maritime threat/threats .' ??

 

[HRK]

@JUBA @Yzd Khalifa @Bubblegum Crisis

Would GCC support the idea of a Joint Naval Command with Pakistan in a shared command and control agreement?

The idea is to turn GCC plus Pakistan Navy into a 'Unified Fleet', with mutually agreed future acquasitions to deter a 'mutually agreed maritime threat/threats .' ??

sorry to say ..... but answer is no ......

 

[Yzd Khalifa]

@JUBA @Yzd Khalifa @Bubblegum Crisis

Would GCC support the idea of a Joint Naval Command with Pakistan in a shared command and control agreement?

The idea is to turn GCC plus Pakistan Navy into a 'Unified Fleet', with mutually agreed future acquasitions to deter a 'mutually agreed maritime threat/threats .' ??

I can't speak for other member-state of the GCC but we - KSA & Pakistani - do have a Joint Naval Command.

sorry to say ..... but answer is no ......

How come you know when his question is being used hypothetically?

 

[HRK]

How come you know when his question is being used hypothetically?

Simple dear please point out ... common enemy ..... common objective ..... common risk and rewards ... every thing is missing in this scenario .... beside these PAKISTAN is in no position to play any role in Middle East in near future due to the weakness of its economical and political systems ....

 

[HRK]

Pentagon: Kuwait To Receive Patriot Missiles | Defense News | defensenews.com

DUBAI — Lockheed Martin will soon deliver 14 four-pack Patriot missiles and seven launcher modifications kits to Kuwait, the Pentagon announced on Dec. 31.

The $263.4 million foreign military sale is estimated to be completed date by June 30, 2016.

The “hit-to-kill” PAC-3 missiles are designed to defeat tactical ballistic missile threats, cruise missiles threats and aircraft. Currently Taiwan, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates are awaiting approvals.

According to David Roberts, deputy director and research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) in Qatar, “This kind of deal would have been in the works for a long time.”

How the system might add to Kuwait’s defense posture depends “on how effectively the systems are used and the command-and-control training,” he added.

Last month, the Gulf Cooperation Council announced the creation of a Joint Military Command that would pave the way for establishment of a Joint GCC Missile Defence Platform.

“A unified missile defense system is a long way but there is definitely progress,” Roberts said.

Another analyst, Matthew Hedges from the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai, said the delivery of the PAC-3 to Kuwait represents the GCC’s initiative to bolster missile defense within the region.

“Kuwait is surrounded by large neighbors with extensive missile inventories and wants to independently protect its array of critical infrastructure that their economy relies on,” he said.

Delivery of the PAC-3 to Kuwait will see greater integration between Kuwaiti Armed Forces and the US 3rd Army, which is stationed in the country, giving the Kuwaitis a greater sense of security, he said.

“In addition to this, the Kuwaitis will look to modernize their Desert Warrior IFVs with Patria leading the race to replace their aging land-based vehicles,” Hedges said.

“Kuwait’s recent history highlights the delicate defense posture it resides in. As a result, Kuwait is undertaking numerous programs to ensure its national sovereignty.”

Their projected purchases over the next five years, according to Hedges, are small tactical UAVs and vertical takeoff and landing UAVs, as well as persistent surveillance TCOM aerostats as well as airborne countermine measures.

According to the Gulf Military Balance report released last July and authored by Anthony Cordesman and Robert Shelala, Kuwait in many ways is the most vulnerable of all the southern gulf states.

The report states that Kuwait has maintained close security relationships with the US for over two decades while also maintaining a delicate relationship with Iran.

“Like the other smaller gulf states, Kuwait also illustrates a different kind of need for improved military integration and interoperability than Saudi Arabia. Its forces are now relatively well-equipped, much better trained than in 1990, and exercise regularly with US forces,” the report stated.

“They can only really be effective as part of a larger whole, which requires both US power-projection capability and a much stronger GCC role in unifying gulf security,” it added.

 

[HRK]

France Ready To Share Submarine Know-How With GCC | Defense News | defensenews.com

ABU DHABI — The French Navy is ready to share with gulf countries their submarine “know-how” if called upon, a senior naval commander said.

Amid recent heightened interest from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) navies regarding submarine acquisition, Rear Adm. Eric Chaperon, commander of French Navy Task Force 473 Strike Group, said, “The French Navy has a lot of expertise from their long history in the matter of submarines.

“This expertise and know-how can of course be shared, but I cannot give you more details about the interactions we have had with other parties in the region,” he added.

Saudi Arabia was reportedly interested in acquiring five German-made Type 209 submarines at a cost of $3.4 billion, according to the German newspaper Bild in November. Last year, UAE Naval Commander Rear Adm. Ibrahim Al Musharrakh said that the UAE Navy is looking to acquire submarines to combat threats in the gulf’s littoral waters.

“There are many different options for combating the threat of submarines in the region, for building the capacity and the capability to acquire submarines is something that is still under process and will take a long time,” Al Musharrakh said at the Gulf Naval Commanders Conference in Abu Dhabi last November.

The French strike group is in the region to secure the strategic maritime sea lanes of the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea as well as enhance cooperation and interoperability with navies in the region, according to Chaperon.

The strike group, which is made up of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, two destroyers, a supply vessel and a nuclear attack submarine, made port calls in Saudi Arabia last month and in Qatar earlier in January before docking Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

“France is ready to assume its responsibilities throughout the world, as she demonstrated in Libya, in Mali and more recently, in Central Africa,” Chaperon said.

“France considers that the stability of the Middle East is one of her priorities; it is a region which is at the heart of her strategic interests and which is affected today by multiple crises such as piracy and terrorism.

“Her commitment to the countries of the region is shown in the will to respond to their needs as a long-term strategic partner; this is at the heart of the defense agreement that was signed by France and the United Arab Emirates in 2009,” he added.

The strike group carried out exercises with the Saudi and Qatari navies and is due to conduct a joint exercise, dubbed Big Fox, with the UAE Armed Forces at the end of January and with the US Navy in February in the Indian Ocean.

Visiting the Charles de Gaulle was UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who was briefed about the strike group and its mission.

On board the carrier were 10 F-3 Rafale fighters, the most advanced fighters to enter service in the French Air Force.

The ship also carries two E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, two EC725 Caracal and AS532 Cougar helicopters for combat search and rescue.

He added that the visit to Abu Dhabi would provide France the opportunity to further bolster its already strong ties with the UAE, particularly in sharing expertise and ideas and developing better methods of training and operational capabilities.