The United States and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed their defense partnership during Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Rotation 25-10 at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

The exercise, held on August 4 -- the largest joint training event ever conducted with a US Central Command partner -- underscored decades of strategic cooperation and a shared commitment to regional security.

US Army soldiers trained alongside UAE Land Forces in a series of complex defensive and offensive operations designed to enhance coordination, decision-making, and combat readiness.

Conducted in a realistic battlefield environment, the training tested the forces’ ability to maneuver jointly and respond rapidly to evolving threats.

Enhancing interoperability

A key objective of the exercise was to improve interoperability between US and UAE units.

Joint mission-planning sessions and situational assessments allowed soldiers from both countries to align tactics and communication strategies, ensuring seamless collaboration under pressure.

"Exercises like JRTC 25-10 demonstrate the strength of the US-UAE defense relationship and our commitment to collective security," a US defense official said.

"Partnerships like this are critical to maintaining peace and security," the defense official added. "JRTC 25-10 is a testament to our enduring alliance and shared vision for regional prosperity."

Through integrated drills, both forces practiced responding to dynamic combat scenarios, reinforcing operational cohesion and building mutual trust.

The exercise reflected years of steady cooperation and shared goals for peace and stability across the Middle East.

A strategic partnership

The scale of JRTC 25-10 highlights the importance Washington places on strengthening military partnerships with regional allies.

The US investment in these joint exercises aims to enhance partner capabilities and ensure both forces are prepared to meet future security challenges together.

The UAE is one of the United States’ closest security partners in the Gulf.

The two countries conduct multiple joint training exercises annually, both bilaterally and in cooperation with other partners including NATO and Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

The size and scope of this year’s exercise at Fort Polk further solidified the US-UAE defense relationship, showcasing their shared commitment to protecting common interests and ensuring long-term regional stability.