The mixed aerial exercise “Iniochos 2024” commenced at the Air Warfare Center in Andravida Air Base, Greece, with the participation of the Saudi Royal Air Forces and forces from several friendly countries. Group Commander Colonel Pilot Abdulaziz bin Musaed Al Harbi confirmed that the air forces are participating with a full system of “Typhoon” aircraft, along with their air, technical, and support crews. He pointed to the preparations that preceded the exercise over the past months to maximize the benefits for the entire crew, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) this Tuesday.
He mentioned that the exercise enhances the readiness and efficiency of the participating air force personnel, qualifying them to execute their missions and assisting them in performing tasks away from the main bases. It also provides them with experience by flying in a different environment, in addition to exposure to various systems and capabilities.
Colonel Pilot Al Harbi confirmed the execution of diverse combat air operations, along with the participation of planning cells, mission and air campaign command, and the execution of intelligence and forward air control missions during close air support operations.
The “Iniochos 2024” exercise is considered one of the largest military exercises in Europe.
In recent months, Saudi Arabia has been active in conducting and participating in a variety of military drills, highlighting its commitment to regional security and the enhancement of its military capabilities through international cooperation.
One notable drill was the “Sada Tanseeq,” the first-ever joint military exercise between India and Saudi Arabia, which took place in Rajasthan, Northern India. This exercise aimed at honing the interoperability of the two countries’ armies in semi-desert terrain, allowing them to share best practices and techniques for operations in sub-conventional locations.
Saudi Arabia also led the “Red Wave 5” naval exercise off its Red Sea coast near Jeddah, involving countries bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, including Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, Yemen, and observers from Somalia. The exercise, under the command of the Saudi Western Fleet, aimed to strengthen military cooperation, unify naval operations, exchange combat experience, and increase combat readiness. This initiative reflects a regional dedication to ensuring the security of the Red Sea, a vital international economic corridor.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the United States conducted joint drills to counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) threats, which have become a significant concern due to the proliferation of drones across the region. These exercises aimed to enhance the defense capabilities against drones, with Saudi Arabia relying on US-made Patriots for intercepting missiles and drones, primarily those launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The drills included tracking and destroying simulated invading drones within regional airspace, highlighting the strong partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US in addressing emerging threats and enhancing the defense capabilities against them.
