RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China have commenced a joint naval exercise at a naval brigade camp in Zhanjiang in Guangdong province of China on Monday.
The Royal Saudi Navy, represented by the Special Marine Security Group, and its Chinese counterpart, the Navy Special Forces, are actively participating in the joint exercise named Blue Sword-3.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, the three-week-long exercise is designed to foster mutual trust and strengthen cooperation between the Royal Saudi Navy and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Naval Forces. The overarching objectives include the exchange of experiences, enhancement of capabilities in maritime counterterrorism and piracy, and elevation of training and combat readiness among the participating forces.
The exercise unfolds in three stages: basic training, professional training, and comprehensive exercises. Basic and professional training involves activities such as weapons training, helicopter rappelling, vessel navigation, underwater searches, and explosive disposal. The comprehensive exercise centres around a joint special operations unit rescuing a hijacked merchant ship and encompasses maritime assault rescue training.
This joint naval endeavour marks a continuation of collaborative efforts between the two nations, with their inaugural joint exercise, Blue Sword-2019, taking place four years ago at the King Faisal Naval Base in the Red Sea, near the Saudi Islamic Port of Jeddah.
