ABU DHABI — The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) began joint military exercises on Monday in Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, with the participation of a number of friendly countries in addition to the host country. The RSAF is taking part in the Desert Flag 2021 exercises with F15-SA fighter jets, and all air and technical crews, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Commander of the RSAF group participating in the exercise Lt. Col. Fahad Bin Muzal Al-Harbi said the exercise is important due to the number of participating countries, the military technology being used, and the quality of the participating aircraft, which will benefit the participants and raise their combat efficiency. “Saudi forces taking part in the exercise implemented a number of air tactics as part of their operational plan for the exercise,” Al-Harbi noted. He also said that the exercise comes within the RSAF’s pre-prepared training plans and programs to refine and develop the skills of air, technical and administrative crews, which will support the combat readiness of the RSAF. For his part, Maj. Saleh bin Ahmed Al-Shehri said that the technical crews are working on equipping, maintaining and arming the F15-SA system, following the highest standards of quality and safety to ensure that pilots perform their operational tasks to the fullest. Maj. Saud bin Faisal Al-Tamimi added that this exercise is being done in three phases, involving planning and executing a number of training sorties, as well as defensive and offensive air operations, according to war scenarios that simulate current and future threats.