The “Spears of Victory 2026” exercise, one of the largest and most important air military exercises in the region, has commenced at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The exercise features broad participation from various branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including the Land Forces, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the Naval Forces, and the Air Defense Forces, in addition to the Ministry of the National Guard and the Presidency of State Security. The Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council and forces from 15 brotherly and friendly nations are also participating in the maneuvers, reflecting the strategic importance of this event.
Historical context and strategic importance
The “Spears of Victory” exercise is part of a series of periodic exercises aimed at enhancing combat readiness and strengthening joint operations between Saudi forces and their allies. Over the years, the exercise has evolved into an advanced platform for exchanging expertise and modern military tactics. The exercise is being held at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Sector, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities to simulate realistic and complex combat environments. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to develop and modernize the military sector and elevate it to the ranks of the world’s most advanced armies. The selection of the Eastern Sector as the exercise location carries strategic significance, given its vital importance to the global economy and the necessity of securing waterways and strategic interests in the Arabian Gulf region.
Exercise objectives and expected impact
The “Spears of Victory 2026” exercise aims to achieve a range of tactical and operational objectives, most notably deepening military partnerships, unifying joint operational concepts, and enhancing the efficiency and coordination among participating forces. The training focuses on diverse scenarios, including counter-air operations, integrated air defense, and electronic and cyber warfare, reflecting a response to contemporary security challenges. The exercise is expected to contribute to assessing combat readiness levels, refining the skills of aircrews, technical personnel, and support staff, and developing operational plans to address various current and future threats.
After a broad regional and international impact
Regionally, the exercise sends a clear message of shared commitment to the security and stability of the region and strengthens the capabilities of the joint Gulf defense system. Internationally, the participation of major powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, along with influential nations like Turkey and Pakistan, lends the exercise a global dimension and underscores the importance of international alliances in addressing transnational security challenges. The participating countries include Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This large-scale military gathering not only serves military objectives but also strengthens diplomatic and military cooperation among the participating nations and supports efforts to build a more stable and effective international security architecture.
