JEDDAH: The Green Flag Exercise for 2018, carried out by the Saudi and British air forces, began on Sunday at King Fahd Air Base in Taif, and will continue through Dec. 11. The exercise aims to improve the overall combat readiness of the Saudi Air Force and increase the capacities of crews and personnel through a series of training flights of varying complexity. It allows both forces to share technical knowledge and learn about how the other operates. Maj. Gen. Haidar bin Rafie Al-Omari, commander of the air base and the exercise, said it is a critical part of this year’s training plan for the armed forces. “The Green Flag Exercise involves all our air force combat systems supporting Operation Decisive Storm and Operation Restoring Hope (in Yemen),” he added.  “The British Royal Air Force aims to integrate all combat systems, including air combat, air support and electronic warfare, and especially how to use them against the enemy’s land defense systems for maximum operational efficiency.” Col. Khalid bin Yusuf Al-Yusuf, who is overseeing the exercise, said it covers a range of tactics such as electronic warfare, electronic jamming, ground forces support and avoiding land-based threats.  “All these scenarios take place in a real combat environment, ensuring true-to-life conditions for best results,” he added.