The joint bilateral naval exercise “Winds of Peace 2026,” bringing together the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and their counterparts in the Royal Navy of Oman, has commenced in the Sultanate of Oman. This exercise comes within the framework of strengthening military cooperation and integrating defense efforts between the two brotherly countries, and reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining the security and stability of the region.

In this regard, the exercise commander, Rear Admiral Mohammed bin Ayed Al-Otaibi, explained that “Winds of Peace 2026” primarily aims to enhance combat readiness and exchange expertise in the areas of naval operations and maritime security. He added that the exercise seeks to unify operational concepts in the preparation, planning, and execution phases, thereby strengthening the two navies' ability to protect vital maritime shipping lanes and secure waterways.

The exercise features extensive participation from naval and air assets, including 10 advanced warships, helicopters, and two platoons of special naval security units. The Royal Air Force of Oman is also supporting the exercise, adding a complementary dimension to the joint operations. The maneuvers encompass a range of scenarios simulating modern maritime challenges, including specialized joint operations training, live-fire missile exercises, and advanced training for special security units and naval aviation.

Strategic context and regional importance

This exercise is of particular importance given the deep-rooted strategic and historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. These maneuvers are an extension of a series of joint military exercises aimed at strengthening joint Gulf defense efforts and enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Furthermore, the Sultanate of Oman's strategic location overlooking the Sea of ​​Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global trade and energy supplies, lends these exercises an additional strategic dimension in securing one of the world's most important waterways.

Expected impact and international dimensions

At both the regional and international levels, the “Peace Winds 2026” exercise sends a clear message about the readiness and capability of both countries to confront shared security challenges, particularly those related to piracy, smuggling, and illicit maritime activities. The exercise contributes to enhancing regional stability by demonstrating joint deterrence capabilities and reassures the international community and trading partners of the continued security and safety of navigation in this vital region. The high level of coordination between Saudi and Omani forces reflects an advanced level of trust and cooperation and contributes to building an integrated security system capable of addressing various threats.

It is worth noting that the first phase of the exercise was conducted at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet in April 2025, focusing on planning and scenario development using advanced simulation systems. The current phase translates those plans into practical training exercises in the maritime theater of operations in the Sea of ​​Oman and at the Said bin Sultan Naval Base, ensuring maximum benefit and enhancing the operational efficiency of the participating forces.

The joint bilateral naval exercise “Winds of Peace 2026” has commenced in the Sultanate of Oman, bringing together the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Royal Omani Naval Forces, in a move that reflects the depth of military cooperation and strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries, and aims to enhance maritime security in one of the most important maritime regions in the world.

Strategic objectives and deterrence messages

The exercise commander, Rear Admiral Mohammed bin Ayed Al-Otaibi, explained that “Winds of Peace 2026” aims to achieve a number of vital objectives, most notably raising the level of combat readiness and exchanging expertise in the areas of naval operations and maritime security. He added that the exercise seeks to unify operational concepts in the preparation, planning, and execution phases, thereby enhancing the two navies’ ability to protect maritime shipping lanes, confront shared security challenges, and send a clear message about their readiness to defend regional interests.

Advanced military capabilities

The exercise features extensive participation from naval, air, and special forces units, including 10 advanced warships, helicopters, and two platoons of special naval security units. The Royal Air Force of Oman is also participating, adding an integrated dimension to the joint operations. The drills include complex operational scenarios simulating modern maritime threats, encompassing live-fire missile and ammunition exercises, special forces operations, and naval aviation training, all aimed at honing the skills of the participating forces and enhancing their ability to operate effectively together.

Geostrategic importance at the heart of global waterways

These maneuvers are of particular importance given their location in the Sea of ​​Oman, the gateway to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery through which a significant portion of the world's energy supply passes. This military cooperation is part of the ongoing efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to secure these vital waterways and ensure freedom of navigation, which positively impacts the stability of the global economy. Strengthening joint action between Saudi Arabia and Oman is a cornerstone of the collective Gulf security system and underscores the ability of the region's countries to protect their resources and sovereignty.

Integrated planning and multiple stages

Brigadier General Al-Otaibi indicated that His Majesty's ships will conduct their maneuvers in the waters of the Sea of ​​Oman, while special naval security units will conduct training exercises at the Said bin Sultan Naval Base. This exercise complements the first phase, which was carried out at the King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet in April 2025. That phase focused on planning, preparation, and testing operational plans using advanced simulation systems, demonstrating a long-term vision and integrated approach to enhancing joint defense capabilities between the two countries.

In a diplomatic move aimed at deepening bilateral relations and placing them within a comprehensive institutional framework, the Polish capital, Warsaw, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish the Saudi-Polish Coordination Council . This announcement came during a joint press conference held on Monday by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Polish counterpart, Radosław Sikorski, where both ministers emphasized the importance of this new mechanism in expanding the partnership between the two countries.

Historical background and growing context

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Poland have enjoyed diplomatic relations since their official establishment in 1995, and these relations have witnessed remarkable development over the past decades. The establishment of the Coordination Council is the culmination of a long history of mutual cooperation and high-level visits aimed at strengthening ties across various fields. This council represents a qualitative leap from traditional relations to a structured strategic partnership, ensuring the continuity of dialogue and the follow-up on the implementation of joint initiatives, all in service of the best interests of the two friendly nations.

Growing economic and commercial importance

Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan explained that the council represents a vital mechanism for ensuring continuous follow-up and enhancing cooperation. The importance of this partnership is reflected in the growing trade figures, with both ministers noting that the volume of trade between the two countries has exceeded $12 billion in recent years, reflecting strong economic momentum. The council aims to explore new opportunities to increase mutual investments, particularly in the energy, technology, defense, and agriculture sectors, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and attract quality investments, while simultaneously opening new markets for Polish companies in the heart of the Middle East.

Political coordination and convergence of visions

The dialogue was not limited to economic matters but also included regional and international issues of common interest. The two ministers affirmed their shared perspectives on several issues, most notably the Palestinian question, where they commended the common position supporting a two-state solution and the achievement of a just peace. The situations in Yemen and Sudan were also discussed, with emphasis placed on the importance of supporting political solutions. Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the Kingdom reiterated its support for international peace efforts, a position that aligns with the Polish and European vision seeking to end the conflict through dialogue. This reinforces the role of both countries as forces supporting stability on both the regional and international stages.