U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) reports it “has successfully concluded a comprehensive Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems exercise on July 20, which aimed at enhancing integration, interoperability, and lethality among participating nations. The exercise brought together air forces from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and three other regional air forces, fostering collaboration and strengthening institutional capacity in countering the evolving UAS threat.”
The exercise was hosted at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
“The recently concluded exercise served as a crucial platform for AFCENT and its partners to improve their ability to effectively neutralize UAS threats, ensuring the safety and security of their respective airspace, said an organisation press release. “A total of 17 aircraft, including U.S. F-16s, a KC-10, and MQ-9s, participated in the exercise. This diverse fleet represented the cutting-edge capabilities of the participating nations, showcasing their commitment to countering UAS threats through advanced technology and operational expertise.”
“The exercise focused on various aspects of countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems threats, including detection, tracking, and engagement techniques. Through realistic scenarios and simulated UAS threats, participating forces enhanced their situational awareness, refined their tactics, and developed effective countermeasures.
“The event provided an opportunity for U.S. Air Forces Central and its partners to share best practices, lessons learned, and operational experiences in countering UAS threats. This exchange of knowledge and expertise will contribute to the continuous improvement of C-UAS capabilities across the coalition, fostering a stronger and more coordinated response to this evolving threat.
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(Image: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Renee Oswalt, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refuels Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4s during Yellow Sands, the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) exercise in Southwest Asia, July 20, 2023. The exercise aimed to ensure the safety of forces and the success of ongoing missions by enhancing the collective capacity to detect, track and neutralize UAS threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
