Peace Shield 2026: UAE And Azerbaijan Strengthen Defence Cooperation Through Joint Exercise

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Colonel General Zakir Hasanov attended the ‘Peace Shield 2026’ military exercise, which aims to deepen defence and military cooperation between the UAE and Azerbaijan by improving joint operational readiness, strengthening coordination between units, and supporting wider regional security objectives through shared training and planning efforts.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that joint military exercises are essential for strengthening the armed forces’ readiness and their ability to conduct coordinated operations, noting that such activities support the UAE’s vision for an advanced defence system capable of addressing evolving security challenges in partnership with friendly countries.

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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum explained that the ‘Peace Shield’ exercise reflects strong defence ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan, encourages the exchange of military expertise, aligns training methods, and improves operational efficiency, while advanced technologies and modern practices support better coordination, preparedness, and effective responses to different operational scenarios in support of regional security and stability.

The ‘Peace Shield 2026’ military exercise featured a series of complex field scenarios designed to showcase the coordination, professionalism, and integration of the participating forces, while also demonstrating the deployment of advanced military technologies, systems, and techniques that enhance the capacity of units to handle diverse operational challenges and contribute to maintaining stability across the wider region.

The exercise underlined the depth of the strategic partnership between the UAE and Azerbaijan, reflecting a shared commitment to building stronger joint military capabilities, raising the preparedness and effectiveness of participating formations, and expanding the exchange of knowledge and experience across all defence and military fields as part of long-term cooperation between the two countries.

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The ‘Peace Shield 2026’ military exercise was also attended by Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army; Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; and several senior officers.

The ‘Peace Shield 2026’ military exercise demonstrates how the UAE and Azerbaijan are working together to raise joint military readiness, refine operational coordination, and invest in advanced defence capabilities, while also confirming their shared interest in building durable defence partnerships that support stability and security across the wider regional environment.

With inputs from WAM