U.S. and Saudi forces conduct largest counter-drone exercise yet
- U.S. and Saudi forces conducted a large-scale live-fire exercise to counter unmanned drones in northeastern Saudi Arabia.
- This exercise involved over 300 personnel and the use of 20 counter-unmanned aerial systems.
- The exercise reflects a growing urgency to address drone threats from Iran, establishing regional partnership for enhanced security.
In northeastern Saudi Arabia, U.S. Central Command and Saudi forces recently conducted an extensive live-fire exercise aimed at countering unmanned aerial threats. This notable event began on September 7 and involved over 300 personnel operating 20 counter-unmanned aerial systems at the Shamal-2 range. The exercise underscored the rising urgency of addressing threats posed by advanced drones, particularly those emanating from Iran and its proxies, which have been linked to civilian casualties and regional instability. U.S. Central Command leader Admiral Brad Cooper highlighted the growing challenges associated with the proliferation of advanced drone technologies, emphasizing the need for collaboration between regional partners to find innovative solutions. The exercise, dubbed Red Sands, showcased the integration of U.S. and Saudi military capabilities and various technologies designed to detect, track, and eliminate aerial threats, including new detection systems and counter-measures like the Vanguard system. Additionally, alongside the counter-drone efforts, the Army is working to expand the use of artificial intelligence in military operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to implement AI technologies in various applications that go beyond drones, such as smart glasses for mechanized training and automated defenses. The Secretary stressed that the counter-drone issue has become a top priority for the Army and the nation, reflecting an urgent need for affordable and efficient anti-drone solutions. The ongoing situation in the Middle East has led to a significant focus on the intersection of military capacities and emerging technologies. The exercise represents the fourth collaborative effort between the U.S. and Saudi militaries since the beginning of 2023, highlighting a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing regional security in light of persistent threats. Future military endeavors are likely to focus on melding traditional combat readiness with innovations in technology to address evolving warfare challenges.