The joint Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) drill, ‘Takamul 1’ (Integration), is taking place in the Al-Udair and Al-Abraq region in the northwest of Kuwait. The exercise commenced on 26 November and will run until 01 December.

Forces from GCC members states and the Joint Peninsula Shield Force are taking part in the joint exercise.

The drill is held in line with the directives of GCC leaders to continue activating the frameworks of military cooperation among GCC Armed Forces, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

It is also based on the resolutions of the GCC Joint Defence Council to strengthen joint action among the armed forces of GCC countries so as to be able to face various challenges and threats, as well as safeguard the stability, security and achievements of GCC states.

The joint exercise aims to achieve more integration, promote the spirit of unified military action, enhance the participating forces’ readiness, raise combat efficiency levels, increase harmony during joint operations, and pave the way for the exchange of experiences through a number of combat field operations  and various tactical maneuvers.

The ultimate goal of the drill is to ensure that those forces are always ready to defend the GCC countries.

Colonel Hamad Al-Saqr, the official spokesman for the Kuwait Ministry of Defense, confirmed the safe arrival of all participating forces, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

“The significance of ‘Takamul 1’ lies in its status as the first field exercise conducted for the Peninsula Shield Force since the establishment of the unified military command, symbolizing the dedication and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council member states,” he explained.

“The exercise comprises three main stages - the successful arrival of forces, the execution of field exercises by participating forces in the designated area, and the final stage involving the implementation of the conclusive exercise and the subsequent departure of participating forces,” he added.