Riyadh, 22 November 2025 (Agencies): The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces have successfully concluded their participation in the ATLC-35 aerial warfare exercise in the United Arab Emirates, alongside air forces from several allied nations. The exercise, one of the region’s most prominent joint air drills, was designed to sharpen operational planning, enhance combat skills, and simulate realistic air and missile warfare scenarios.
Saudi Tornado aircraft and their aircrews carried out a wide range of 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. According to the Saudi Press Agency, these missions significantly improved aircrew efficiency and the ability to operate under diverse and challenging conditions.
Lt. Col. Pilot Hamad bin Hashim Al-Harbi, commander of the RSAF contingent, said the exercise achieved its objectives by exchanging military expertise among participating forces and enhancing readiness and combat efficiency in a simulated wartime environment. He emphasized that the drills refined the skills of pilots and ground crews, strengthened professionalism, and reflected the RSAF’s advanced capabilities and growing international standing.
Al-Harbi further noted that the exercise demonstrated a high level of coordination and integration among allied forces, showcasing their ability to plan and execute complex air operations with precision. The ATLC-35 exercise forms part of a broader series of joint air drills aimed at developing aerial combat tactics, exchanging expertise, and enhancing military cooperation, ultimately contributing to greater operational coordination and combat readiness across the region.