Kuwaiti-led Exercise Enhances Combined Counter-Drone Capabilities

Courtesy Photo | U.S. forces participate in a live fire involving Patriot missile launches during exercise Sky Shield at the Udari Range Complex, Kuwait, Dec. 9, 2025. Led by Kuwait, exercise Sky Shield included participation from the United States, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom.  

TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

12.12.2025

Courtesy Story

U.S. Central Command Public Affairs           

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. forces completed a high-end, advanced counter-drone exercise in Kuwait with international partners, Dec. 12.

Led by Kuwait, exercise Sky Shield included participation from the United States, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom. Forces focused on enhancing interoperability to detect, track, and engage drones through a layered air defense architecture.

“This exercise was a major achievement by Kuwait and reinforced our collective commitment to regional security,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene, performing the duties of deputy commander for U.S. Central Command.

During the exercise, Salene attended a live-fire event involving Patriot missile launches alongside Kuwait Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Khaled Daraj Saad Al-Shariaan, and other senior leaders from Kuwait and across the region.

The exercise brought together subject-matter experts from participating countries to expand technical exchanges and advance regional understanding of counter-drone tactics and systems.

“Training with our international teammates during exercises like Sky Shield is essential to building our collective capabilities,” said Salene.

Exercise Sky Shield is a premier annual training event on air defense. This year’s exercise was hosted at the Udari Range Complex.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2025
• Date Posted: 12.12.2025 08:54
• Story ID: 553983
• Location: TAMPA, FLORIDA, US