AKIPRESS.COM - The UAE and Egyptian armed forces concluded yesterday their joint military exercises. The joint training is the first of its kind in terms of number and size of units taking part, UAEinteract reported.

The joint exercises were attended by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Abdul Fattah Al Sisi, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Egypt Salman bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia.

The exercises aimed at strengthening historic and strategic ties between the two countries as well as boosting operational readiness of the different units of the two forces.

A debriefing was made about the exercises' three phases, starting with the arrival of the Egyptian forces to the UAE, and followed by the specialized training and the practical drills, which were performed with live ammunition.

Key to the exercises was the deployment of F-16, Mirage 2000 and Mirage 2000/9 fighters, naval ships and frigates, artillery units, assault and transport helicopters, naval and mechanized infantry, special forces and paratroopers.