US, Saudi Arabia to conduct first counter-drone exercise without allies
As tensions heat up with Iran, the Pentagon hopes the Red Sands exercises will convince allies in the Middle East that Western counter-drone technology is still better than China's.
WASHINGTON — The US and Saudi Arabia are planning to kick off their first-ever experimental counter-drone exercise in mid-March, Al-Monitor has learned.
The first “Red Sands” exercise will involve US and Saudi-owned air defense systems, but will likely not include other regional militaries, according to four US military officials briefed on the matter.
American officials say they intend to include counterparts from additional Middle Eastern militaries in subsequent Red Sands events in the coming months, all of which are expected to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters: The defensive exercise series — the brainchild of the Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla — is the most significant step in the Pentagon's belated efforts to adapt to Iran’s rapid advances in drone warfare in recent years.
