The UAE Ministry of Defense announced Friday the launch of ‘Iron Defender 22’, an annual bilateral training event between the UAE naval forces and the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
Set to run until 23rd June, 2022, the joint exercise is aimed at exchanging military experiences to boost efficiency and combat readiness in carrying out operations, as well as strengthening military relations between the UAE and the US, UAE national news agency WAM reported.
The ‘Iron Defender 22’ exercise is in line with the plans and programs of the UAE-US joint training naval forces, which seek to exchange expertise and enhance military cooperation in the field of joint operations, to bolster efficiency across the activities of the armed forces of both countries.
In another development, a UAE Ministry of Defense delegation, led by Major General Saeed Rashid Al Shehhi, Commander of the UAE Land Forces, participated in the Eurosatory 2022, the international reference for land and airland Defense and Security, featuring over 1,800 exhibitors and attracting a global audience of over 57,000 visitors.
During his tour of the exhibition, which concludes in Paris Friday, Major General Al Shehhi met with General Thierry Burkhard, French Chief of Defense, to discuss issues of mutual concern, most notably the defense ties between the UAE and France and ways of reinforcing them.
Al Shehhi and his accompanying delegation were briefed about the latest innovations, advanced equipment, control systems and defense radars on display.
He also met with representatives and officials from the participating companies taking part in the event and viewed their products, including smart defense systems and advanced military technologies.
Earlier, Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, met with Thierry Burkhard, Chief of Staff of the French Army.
During the meeting, they discussed topics of interest, with a particular emphasis on strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
On the sidelines of his visit to France, Al Rumaithi, and his accompanying delegation, attended last Monday, the opening of the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition.
