Photos: Abu Dhabi Media Office

The UAE's Armed Forces showcased their combat capabilities during the 'Union Fortress 10' military parade held in Al Ain on Friday. The event took place in front of a large audience at a 26,000-capacity arena located at Al Ain International Airport. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, attended the event, which was organized by the Ministry of Defence.

The 'Union Fortress 10', themed 'Pride and Loyalty, Pledge and Allegiance, Security and Prosperity', featured a series of events, including a joint military display by various formations and units of the armed forces. The show highlighted field maneuvers and scenarios that demonstrated the advanced combat capabilities of the UAE Armed Forces. Participating units included Land Forces, Air Force and Air Defence, Presidential Guard, Joint Aviation Command, National Guard, and Abu Dhabi Police, alongside supporting services from the UAE Ministry of Defence. These units showcased their ability to conduct rapid intervention missions with exceptional readiness and efficiency, ensuring the security of the homeland.

The 'Union Fortress 10' also featured electronic warfare missions, rapid intervention operations, raids executed by Abu Dhabi Police units, high-altitude military parachuting, and explosive ordnance disposal using robots. Cutting-edge military assets, such as the Rabdan amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and the G6 self-propelled howitzer, were on display. Several military aerial vehicles, including the heavy-lift helicopter CH-47 Chinook, the close air support Black Hawk helicopters, and the Apache attack helicopter, were deployed during the exercise. Additionally, simulated airstrikes were conducted by F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

The Union Fortress parade began in March 2017 on Abu Dhabi Corniche and has since toured the emirates, with each edition held in a different location. The second edition took place in Sharjah in November 2017, followed by Al Ain in February 2018. Subsequent shows were held in Fujairah in November 2018, Ajman in March 2019, Ras Al Khaimah in November 2019, Umm Al Quwain in February 2020, Expo 2020 Dubai in March 2022, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in November 2023. This 10th edition marks the return of the event to Al Ain.

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