The United States and Saudi Arabia have finished the largest counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) exercise to date in the Middle East.
The live-fire drills took place at the Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia, showcasing 20 counter-UAS systems as part of the US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) ambitious Red Sands exercise.
Admiral Brad Cooper, on his first regional visit since assuming command of CENTCOM, observed the exercise alongside Saudi Armed Forces Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili and engaged with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
“Threats posed by the proliferation of advanced drones are a pressing challenge,” Cooper said.
The exercise tested cutting-edge capabilities, including command and control systems that effectively neutralised drone swarms. ‘Drone Defeat Rounds’ (DDRs) were deployed from shotguns, each containing 720 tungsten pellets designed for higher impact.
Rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, including US AC-130 gunships and Saudi F-15s, supported the operation.
