Latest news with #SabahJaberAl-AhmadAl-Sabah
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait explores use of Bayraktar TB2 drones for environmental monitoring
Newly-acquired drones to support surveillance of borders, critical infrastructure KUWAIT: Kuwait is moving to integrate its newly acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones into environmental surveillance and civilian operations, according to a statement by the General Staff of the Army following a high-level coordination meeting held Sunday. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, gathered senior military officials and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality, and the Environment Public Authority, alongside other civil and security agencies. Discussions focused on how to organize reconnaissance flights and enhance the use of drone-generated data across state institutions, 'in support of observation and follow-up efforts' and to 'enhance the state's capabilities in addressing security and environmental changes,' the statement said. The meeting also reviewed the technical systems onboard the Bayraktar drone and explored its applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and the protection of vital infrastructure and borders. Lt Gen Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of using the drone beyond military settings. 'The utilization of the Bayraktar drone's capabilities is not limited to the military side only but extends to include many civilian sectors of the state,' he said. He called for greater coordination between military and civilian entities to maximize the benefits of this advanced aerial system. He described the drone as 'a qualitative leap in capabilities for monitoring, environmental surveillance, and the protection of facilities and borders,' and underscored the responsibility to invest and deploy the system effectively. The Bayraktar TB2 is capable of flying non-stop for 24 hours, carrying up to 650 kilograms. In 2019, it completed a test flight in Kuwait that lasted 27 hours and 3 minutes, despite high temperatures, strong winds, and sandstorms. The coordination meeting follows the arrival of Kuwait's first Bayraktar drones earlier this month, after a $367 million purchase agreement was signed with Turkish defense company Baykar in January 2023. Kuwait became the 28th country to acquire the TB2, a drone that has been used in conflict zones including Ukraine, Libya, and Azerbaijan. Kuwait has also been training personnel for drone operations, with the first batch of TB2 operators graduating in Turkey in July 2024, and a second group earlier this year. While Kuwait's discussions mark an early step in integrating drones into environmental oversight, drones have increasingly been used for that purpose in recent years. In Pakistan's Punjab province, officials launched a drone-linked environmental monitoring system in September 2024 to track factory emissions and enforce environmental laws. In the Arctic, high-speed drones were tested earlier this year to assess the rate of glacier retreat in Greenland. Research also points to the use of drones at landfills to detect methane emissions with high spatial and temporal precision, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional monitoring methods. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait signs military deal with France, holds talks with CENTCOM
Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with US Central Command Commander Gen Michael Kurilla. KUWAIT: Kuwait's defense and security institutions stepped up regional coordination on Thursday with back-to-back high-level meetings and agreements involving the United States and France. In separate engagements, the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and National Guard both held talks with international counterparts to strengthen joint efforts on military training, intelligence sharing, and regional stability. The Kuwait National Guard signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Gendarmerie to boost coordination in military and security fields, including joint training and the exchange of expertise. The agreement was signed by Lt Gen Hashem Al-Rifaie, Undersecretary of the National Guard, and Olivier Gauvin, French Ambassador to Kuwait. Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with US Central Command Commander Gen Michael Kurilla. According to a statement from the National Guard, Al-Rifaie emphasized the Kuwaiti leadership's commitment—under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah—to deepening ties with France across multiple sectors. Al-Rifaie conveyed the National Guard's appreciation and highlighted the 'long-standing, distinguished historical relations' between Kuwait and France. Separately, Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces, met with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen Michael Kurilla to discuss 'a number of issues of mutual interest,' according to a statement from the Kuwaiti General Staff. The meeting, held at Lt Gen Al-Sabah's office, covered regional and international developments, and ways to expand bilateral military cooperation. The two sides also 'exchanged views on evolving security challenges in the region and how to strengthen joint military action to achieve regional security and stability,' the statement said. Both leaders praised the deep-rooted partnership between Kuwait and the United States, which they said reflects 'decades of collaboration and continuous coordination.' They stressed the importance of 'continued coordination and intensified joint efforts to face security challenges.' — KUNA
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait advances military communications with National Security Network project
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, affirmed on Monday the strategic importance of the National Security Network project, describing it as a key initiative in strengthening the nation's military communications system and establishing a secure, integrated electronic environment. The remarks were made during his visit to the Signal Corps, where Major General Al-Sabah was briefed on the corps' core duties, current technical projects, and future development plans aimed at keeping pace with cutting-edge advancements in military communications. These efforts, he noted, are essential to enhancing the readiness and operational efficiency of the Signal Corps. In a press statement released by the General Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff commended the professionalism and technical competence of Signal Corps personnel. He emphasized the need for the swift and disciplined implementation of the National Security Network project in line with the highest technical and security standards. He also stressed the importance of conducting routine and scenario-based testing of the network to ensure its effectiveness and to proactively identify and resolve any technical vulnerabilities before the system enters full operational deployment. Major General Al-Sabah called for continued coordination with relevant authorities and urged intensified training and qualification programs to guarantee the network's long-term sustainability and performance. He highlighted the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements in the field of communications to maintain strategic superiority. During the visit, the Deputy Chief of Staff received a detailed presentation on the National Security Network Development Project. The initiative, considered one of Kuwait's strategic military infrastructure projects, aims to establish a secure, high-performance communications platform linking various military and security agencies. Built on modern technologies and advanced infrastructure, the network is designed to meet the highest global standards of security, reliability, and resilience.
Arab Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Army adds Bayraktar TB2 drone to arsenal
KUWAIT CITY, July 17: Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah said Thursday that the launching of Bayraktar TB2 drone is a manifestation of the commitment of the wise political leadership to support plans for the continuous development and modernization of defense systems, to raise combat readiness and achieve the highest level of security and stability in the country. The General Staff of Kuwaiti Army made the statement during the Bayraktar TB2 drone launching ceremony at Salem Al-Sabah Air Base, under his sponsorship and in his presence. Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army Major General Pilot Sabah Jaber Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah, Air Force Commander Brigadier General Pilot Mohammad Al-Hamdan, Salem Al-Sabah Air Base Commander Brigadier General Pilot Mohammad Al-Rasheed and several Air Force officers warmly welcomed the minister. Defense Minister also pointed out that the launching of drones into service is a qualitative leap in developing the capabilities of the Army; particularly in the areas of surveillance, reconnaissance and information gathering. He stressed the importance of investing in training national technical and operational personnel to ensure maximum benefit from the modern systems. He affirmed that the Army is the nation's impregnable shield and safety valve in facing various challenges. He asserted this step is in line with the commitment of the ministry to use the latest global innovations and technologies to improve the defense systems, and provide modern capabilities that contribute to protecting national borders and airspace. He expressed his pride in the national competencies that worked on the project and contributed to bringing the drone into service, praising the cooperation and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the Army and the Air Force. The inauguration ceremony began with a technical briefing on the operational and technical capabilities of Bayraktar TB2 drone; including its accurate surveillance and reconnaissance capacities, and its ability to carry out air support missions and tactical operations. After the ceremony, a live demonstration of the Bayraktar TB2 drone was presented, showcasing its technical and combat abilities; followed by the minister's tour of the facilities, during which he assessed the level of readiness of the drone and operating amenities. He also met with a number of officers and technicians supervising the project. (KUNA)
Kuwait Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Mubarak Al-Abdullah College ‘advancing military education'
KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visits Mubarak Al-Abdullah College. – KUNA photos KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, lauded on Thursday the pioneering efforts of the teaching and administrative staff at Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College. He highlighted their vital contribution to developing academic programs and enhancing the quality of military education. The Ministry of Defense issued a statement following Major General Sabah's visit to the college to attend the conclusion of the final joint exercise for the 29th Joint Command and Staff Course. During the visit, Major General Sabah expressed pride in the exceptional capabilities and high proficiency demonstrated by the participating officers, particularly in the fields of planning and precise execution of joint military operations. He wished them continued progress and success in their careers. The Deputy Chief of Staff was briefed in detail on the various phases of the exercise conducted by the student officers, which utilized advanced technological tools in war gaming. This practical approach aids officers in comprehensively understanding and applying the Kuwaiti Army's combat doctrine within joint operations. The exercise involved officers from the Kuwaiti Army, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, as well as delegations from brotherly and friendly countries. Accompanying Major General Sabah during the visit were members of the Military Defense Council and senior army commanders. — KUNA
