UK establishes joint training base in Oman
As part of his visit to Oman for the culmination of Exercise Saif Sareea 3, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson underlined the UKs enduring commitment to Oman and highlighted the importance of protecting peace and stability in the Gulf, announcing the opening of new joint training base.
Above:
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson on board a Challenger MKII tank following the Exercise Saif Sareea 3 firepower demonstration, the UK’s largest exercise in 17 years..
Courtesy MoD / Crown Copyright
UK troops will deploy to the joint training base in March 2019 to work and train alongside our Omani partners, building on the successes of Exercise Saif Sareea 3. For decades to come, it will support a variety of combined and joint training activity in the challenging and austere environment that 5,500 UK personnel have experienced over the last month.
Above:
Omani tanks move towards a target, with smoke coming from missiles fired by UK and Omani forces during the Exercise Saif Sareea 3 firepower demonstration.
Courtesy MoD / Crown Copyright
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Our relationship with Oman is built on centuries of cooperation and we are cementing that long into the future with the opening of our new joint base.
"We stand as a beacon of stability in the region. This has never been more important as malign activity by hostile states and violent extremist organisations seek to undermine stability and subvert the rules based order on which we all rely."
Above:
Typhoon aircraft lead a flypast during the Exercise Saif Sareea 3 firepower demonstration.
Courtesy MoD / Crown Copyright
The exercise also tested the interaction and collaboration between civilian and military structures, providing valuable lessons about ensuring we deploy the right combination of tools to tackle the complex threats we face today.
The Defence Secretary also attended the Exercise Saif Sareea Fire Power Demonstration which involved both UK and Omani personnel who have been living and exercising side by side for the past five weeks. The exercise’s culmination saw thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen from both nations execute a set piece battle across the desert.
Above:
RAF Chinooks take part in the Exercise Saif Sareea 3 firepower demonstration. One is seen carrying a 105mm gun.
Courtesy MoD / Crown Copyright
Mr Williamson also met the Sultan of Oman and Omani Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs signalling his intent to sign an agreement of enduring defence commitment early next year, reflecting on wider cooperation beyond defence; and reaffirming the deep cultural links and economic ties.