US lauds Saudi pilots in military exercise

RIYADH: US forces praised the ability of Saudi pilots participating in the Red and Green Flag 2017 military exercise at Base, Nevada, said Lt. Col. Khalid Al-Yousuf. The participating Saudi pilots seek to portray an honorable image of the Kingdom in terms of capability, he added.
The Saudi Royal Air Force (SRAF) is participating with eight Typhoon aircraft, an A303MRTT and two transport planes.
The SRAF “remains one of the best (air forces) in the Middle East and the world, and the only force from the Middle East to participate in the exercise for the sixth time in a row,” said Al-Yousuf.
The participation of Saudi forces will benefit them greatly in training with advanced methods of air control and electronic warfare, he added.
The SRAF is keen to carry out joint exercises with friendly countries to raise troops’ combat readiness, he said.
Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Otaibi, SRAF commander, on Thursday inspected Saudi forces and said the pilots demonstrated great technical skills.