Preparatory exercises for the "Peace Shield – 2026" joint operational-tactical drills have commenced in Abu Dhabi, involving personnel from the Azerbaijan Army and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces.
The Ministry of Defense told the Operative Information Center-OMM that the initial phase included safety briefings and detailed presentations on the exercise's objectives, scenarios, and operational zones. The drills, scheduled for February 2–3, will cover diverse environments, including residential areas, mountainous terrain, and maritime settings.
The planned activities involve neutralizing illegal armed groups in mountainous regions, regaining control over seized vessels, and conducting hostage rescue operations. Additionally, personnel will practice casualty evacuation, riot control, and firefighting measures to address threats to public safety in urban environments. These joint exercises reflect the growing defense cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UAE, aimed at enhancing interoperability and sharing tactical expertise in counter-terrorism and regional security.
Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its international military partnerships, conducting regular drills with regional allies to bolster its defense capabilities. Such cooperation is a key component of Azerbaijan's strategy to maintain high combat readiness and ensure regional stability. The "Peace Shield – 2026" exercise serves as a platform for both nations to exchange experience in modern warfare and crisis management.
