Saudi Arabia's navy will hold exercises in the Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz early next week, AFP reported Wednesday (September 28th).
The exercise, Gulf Shield 1, also will take place in the Sea of Oman, with ships, planes, marines and other personnel taking part, said Royal Saudi Navy commander Abdullah al-Sultan.
Gulf Shield 1 is part of a series of exercises the fleet has carried out in the area, Sultan said in comments cited by the official Saudi Press Agency.
The manoeuvres aim to "raise combat readiness" and improve skills for defending the country's borders, protecting sea lanes "and to deter any aggression or potential terrorist operations", the SPA report said.
