Safaga, November 25, 2024 – The joint Saudi-Egyptian military exercise, Piercing Arrow 2024, concluded today in Safaga, Egypt, marking a significant milestone in strengthening military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The final day of the exercise featured a dynamic display of combat scenarios aimed at enhancing the readiness and operational capabilities of both nations' armed forces.
The closing ceremony was attended by Lt. Gen. Fahd bin Saud Al-Juhani, Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, and Maj. Gen. Walid Hamouda Awad, Assistant Minister of Defense of Egypt, highlighting the importance of the exercise in fostering stronger defense ties between the two countries. The event showcased a comprehensive array of military operations, including the insertion of special forces via attack helicopters, tactical live-fire exercises using armored vehicles, and airborne operations designed to neutralize a simulated border village.
The exercise also featured intensive airstrikes on ground targets, coastal raids, and surface engagements, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern warfare. The participating Saudi Armed Forces units, which included land, naval, air, and air-defense units, demonstrated their ability to operate seamlessly alongside their Egyptian counterparts. The scenarios were designed to enhance joint operational readiness and improve coordination across different military domains to achieve shared strategic objectives.
Throughout the exercise, the forces simulated a variety of realistic warfare conditions, such as countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during counter-terrorism operations, combating drone threats, conducting combat search-and-rescue missions, and delivering close air support. These operations aimed to test and refine the combat capabilities of both countries' forces, ensuring they are fully prepared to handle diverse and complex security challenges.
Maj. Gen. Adel bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, head of the Saudi Armed Forces Training and Development Authority, commended the exercise's success, stating that the meticulously planned scenarios had significantly enhanced the skills and operational proficiency of the participating forces. He emphasized that joint military exercises of this caliber are crucial in elevating the combat readiness of the Saudi and Egyptian armed forces, ensuring they are equipped to meet current and future challenges on both a regional and global scale.