The joint military training exercise, titled, “Cooperation 3,” began in Oman, as part of the cooperation, coordination and exchange of expertise between the involving the UAE and the Sultanate.

The exercise is being held under the framework of joint Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) action and aims to improve the military capacities of its participants, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

It also underscores the historical ties between the UAE and Oman, which embody the cohesion of the GCC, and aims to capitalise on their expertise, as well as unify concepts in modern military theories and tactics, and enhance the individual and collective skills of its participants.

The 11-day drill, which concludes on 16 February 2023, saw the participation of a force from Muscat Regiment, Infantry Bridge (23) of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO), and its support divisions, as well as aircraft from the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) and vessels from the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).

They joined military units from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces - Land, Air and Naval Forces, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

The exercise is being organized within the context of an annual training programme conducted by the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) - represented by the RAO, the RAFO and the RNO - in cooperation with Arab and friendly countries. The annual training programmes form part of plans espoused by the SAF to maintain the high levels of performance and combat competence of SAF personnel, ONA added.

In another development, Rear Admiral Saif Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) received at Al Murtafa’a Garrison Sunday Commodore Ben Aldous, Commander of Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel in the United Kingdom ( UK), during his visit to the Sultanate of Oman.

The two sides exchanged views on some matters related to the navy. They also reviewed aspects of cooperation in various fields and means of promoting them. The meeting was attended by some Senior RNO Officers.

Commodore Ben Aldous and his accompanying delegation also visited the Maritime Security Center (MSC) in the Sultanate.

Upon their arrival, the guests were greeted by Commodore Adil Hamoud Al Busaidi, Head of MSC.

During the visit, members of the delegation viewed facilities of the centre. They were also briefed on the roles and tasks carried out by the centre in maintaining the safety of maritime environment.