Kuwait and UK Embark on Second Joint Military Exercise ‘Iron Shield 2’

Kuwait city: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have commenced a three-week joint military exercise named "Iron Shield 2," featuring the British infantry battalion F Company, 3 RIFLES, and Kuwait's 94 (Saleh al-Mohammad) Mechanised Brigade. The exercise aims to bolster military cooperation and readiness for potential regional emergencies. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Exercise Director, Colonel Faisal Al-Jaber, emphasized that this collaboration is designed to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in military and security sectors. The joint efforts will focus on improving efficiency and preparedness for any unexpected events in the region. Col. Al-Jaber outlined that the exercise will involve operating weapons, various military vehicles, and employing drone technology for ground support, including maneuvers and aerial monitoring. The training will also cover the use of modern armored vehicles and methods for inspection, vehicle and individual security, building clearance, counter-terrorism, and riot c ontrol, along with securing elements during a potential curfew. Periodic cooperation with the British military is planned, with each exercise concentrating on different skills and techniques, Col. Al-Jaber noted. UK Defense Attache Colonel Neil Marriott expressed pride in the UK's participation alongside Kuwaiti forces, highlighting the exercise as a testament to the longstanding 125-year defense and security partnership between Kuwait and the UK. It offers an opportunity for soldiers from both nations to exchange knowledge and test their readiness against various traditional and emerging threats. Col. Marriott further stated that the exercise signifies the UK's ongoing commitment to the security and prosperity of Kuwait and the broader Gulf region. The current exercise is the second of its kind, following the first "Iron Shield" conducted with the UK's SCOTS GUARDS in October 2023.