China and UAE Announce 'Falcon Shield 2025' Joint Air Force Training

Joint Air Force Training Set for December

The militaries of China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are scheduled to hold their third joint air force training exercise, dubbed 'Falcon Shield 2025,' in the UAE. The drills are slated to take place from December 9 to 22, as announced by Chinese military spokesperson Jiang Bin on Friday.

This upcoming exercise marks a continuation of growing defense cooperation between Beijing and Abu Dhabi, with the stated aim of fostering mutual learning and strengthening substantial collaboration in the defense sector.

Objectives and Scope of 'Falcon Shield 2025'

According to spokesperson Jiang Bin, the 'Falcon Shield 2025' training is designed to 'enhance mutual learning and deepen substantial cooperation on defense' between the two nations. While specific details regarding the types of aircraft or personnel involved have not been fully disclosed, joint air force exercises typically focus on a range of operational aspects, including:

• Tactical maneuvers and coordination
• Interoperability between different air assets
• Exchange of operational experiences and techniques
• Enhancing command and control capabilities

The exercise underscores the commitment of both countries to bolster their military capabilities through collaborative training.

Historical Context of China-UAE Military Drills

The 'Falcon Shield 2025' exercise is the third iteration of this joint training series. The first 'Falcon Shield' exercise was held in 2023, and the second took place in August in China's Xinjiang province. These recurring drills highlight an evolving defense relationship between China and the UAE, reflecting a broader trend of increased military-to-military engagement between the two countries.

The joint exercises are part of a broader framework of defense and security cooperation, which has also seen discussions on exchanging experiences and upgrading the capacities of military personnel and security institutions.

Strengthening Bilateral Defense Ties

The upcoming 'Falcon Shield 2025' training further solidifies the defense ties between China and the UAE. These joint exercises provide a platform for both militaries to improve their operational readiness and deepen their understanding of each other's defense strategies and tactics. The consistent scheduling of such high-profile drills indicates a strategic alignment aimed at enhancing regional security and stability through collaborative military efforts.