The Royal Saudi Naval Forces continues “Naval Defender 21” exercise, with the participation of its counterpart United States’ Navy and a British Minesweeper.

The joint maritime exercise kicked off Thursday at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base (KANB), home to the Eastern Fleet in Jubail, in the presence of the Commander of the Eastern Fleet, Vice Admiral Majed bin Hazza Al-Qahtani.

The exercise aims to raise combat readiness and expand maritime security cooperation between the two forces, by strengthening maritime security, ensuring the protection of territorial waters, and exchanging combat experience, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The exercise includes a number of combat scenarios, such as dealing with live ammunition against hostile targets, formations of naval battleships, maritime rescue operations and defending the seaports.

The Director of the exercise, Rear Adm. Awwad bin Rashid Al-Enezi, said that the exercise would enhance the protection of territorial waters, as well as the Kingdom’s coasts and ports.

He added that the exercise would include lectures and training courses given by the participants from the US and UK.