U.S. and Saudi forces conduct largest live-fire drone counter exercise

In northeastern Saudi Arabia, U.S. and Saudi forces participated in a large-scale live-fire exercise aimed at countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have been increasingly used in military conflicts. The exercise, which commenced on September 7, 2025, was overseen by U.S. Central Command leader Admiral Brad Cooper and General Fayyadh bin Hamed Raqed Al-Ruwalli of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces. It was notable for being the largest of its kind in the region, demonstrating a robust collaboration between U.S. and Saudi military forces in response to threats posed by advanced drone technology. Conducted at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center, the operation involved over 300 personnel and utilized 20 counter-unmanned aerial systems to improve the detection and tracking of aerial threats. The significance of this exercise was underscored by Admiral Cooper’s statement regarding the pressing challenges posed by the proliferation of advanced drones. These drones are often deployed by Iran and its proxies, raising concerns about regional stability and civilian safety due to their attacks on maritime traffic and populated areas. Throughout the exercise, troops employed various systems designed to detect and neutralize drone threats, including advanced detection devices and offensive measures such as electronic warfare options and drone defeat rounds. Notable technologies included the Signal Hunter passive radio frequency geolocation device and the Buffer Passive Acoustic Detection System. These systems allowed the military to effectively identify and track simulated aerial threats. The use of a scalable firing solution known as the Vanguard system was also essential in addressing drone swarms, reflecting the need for innovative solutions in contemporary warfare. The event marked the fourth collaborative exercise between U.S. and Saudi militaries in 2025, signifying an ongoing commitment to enhance counter-drone capabilities through rapid prototyping and development of arms previously used in other exercises. The continued threat of drone proliferation necessitates that regional partners work closely together to develop effective countermeasures, ensuring the safety and security of their citizens and interests in an increasingly complex military landscape.