The United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted Desert Flag 10 between April 21 and May 8 at the Air Warfare and Missile Defense Center at al-Dhafra air base to foster operational coordination and tactical exchange between air forces.

Desert Flag 10 saw the participation of 11 nations, including Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, India, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Saudi Arabian forces showcased their US-made F-15C fighter fleet, while the Indian Air Force brought their MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft.

The large-scale, multinational training exercise served to enhance interoperability, operational synergy and mutual understanding among participating partners through realistic air combat scenarios.

The exercise featured a variety of maneuvers, including defensive and offensive counter-air operations, combat search and rescue and close air support operations.

Such drills challenge participating units to adapt rapidly and execute missions under high pressure conditions, simulating real world situations and enhancing the potential of joint air missions among participating forces.

International cooperation

Desert Flag has evolved into one of the region’s major air combat training exercises.

Lasting roughly three weeks, the annual exercise has grown in scale and importance, incorporating a broad range of tactical maneuvers and exercises.

The drills underline the importance of advancing international coalition capabilities and cohesive response to threats and crises in the region.

Last year's iteration saw participation by 10 countries, including the UAE, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and South Korea, alongside the United States.

The exercise featured 12 airframes, notably including US Air Force F-15E fighters and A-10s.

The UAE, as host country, fosters an environment of collaboration and coordination, allowing all participants to strengthen ties and collective security.

The volume of participating nations and forces provide a range of expertise and the opportunity to practice communicating, coordinating and collaborating across a range of aircraft.

Desert Flag highlights the UAE’s key role in the region as a facilitator of international military cooperation.

It also underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Middle East through strong partnerships with the Gulf states and other partners.