Falcon Shield 2025: China and UAE Enhance Tactical Synergy with Landmark Aerial Drill

China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, hailed the recently concluded "Falcon Shield 2025" joint exercise as a major boost to practical military cooperation and regional peace. Held in the UAE from December 9 to 22, the drill marked a historic first for the Chinese Air Force, deploying advanced assets including the J-10 fighter, the KJ-500 AWACS, and the YY-20A aerial refueler to Emirati soil.

The exercise involved mixed formations conducting air superiority simulations and integrated command-and-control maneuvers. Key highlights included in-depth exchanges on night combat tactics, unmanned systems (drones), and battlefield search and rescue. This third iteration of the "Falcon Shield" series underscores the growing strategic trust and technical interoperability between Beijing and Abu Dhabi.