RIYADH: The aerial warfare exercise ATLC-35 has concluded in the UAE with the participation of the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces alongside air forces from several allied countries.

One of the region’s most prominent joint air exercises, ATLC-35 aimed to enhance combat readiness, strengthen operational planning and execution, and simulate realistic air and missile warfare scenarios.

Tornado aircraft and their RSAF aircrews completed training sorties, including defensive and offensive air operations, close air support, combat search-and-rescue missions, night flying, tactical night airdrops, and air-to-air refueling.

These exercises improve aircrew efficiency and the ability to operate under various conditions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Pilot Hamad bin Hashim Al-Harbi, commander of the RSAF contingent, said the mission achieved its objectives, including exchanging military expertise among participating forces and enhancing readiness and combat efficiency in a simulated wartime environment.

He affirmed that the exercise refined the skills of participating pilots and ground crews while enhancing professionalism, the SPA reported.

Al-Harbi added that the achievement reflected the RSAF’s advanced capabilities and highlighted the Saudi armed forces’ regional and international standing.

He noted that the exercise featured joint training activities demonstrating a high level of coordination and integration among participating forces, and the ability to plan and execute air operations professionally.

The ATLC-35 exercise was part of a series of joint air drills designed to exchange expertise, develop aerial combat tactics, and enhance military cooperation, contributing to greater operational coordination and combat readiness.