Al Ain: The Union Fortress 10 Military Parade has showcased the strength and readiness of the nation’s armed forces at Al Ain International Airport.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the event was organized by the UAE Ministry of Defense under the theme “Pride and Loyalty, Pledge and Allegiance, Security and Prosperity.”
H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, attended the event. Sheikh Hazza applauded the military’s state-of-the-art equipment, skilled personnel, and operational readiness, reaffirming the leadership’s dedication to supporting the armed forces as the cornerstone of the UAE’s progress and security.
The parade reflected the UAE Armed Forces’ advanced capabilities and commitment to protecting the nation’s security and development.
The event brought together a distinguished audience, including H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination; and a number of other Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials. The event was also attended by Lieutenant General Engineer Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; along with high-ranking officers from the armed forces and Ministry of Interior.
Union Fortress 10 featured a series of military displays, highlighting the armed forces’ high-level coordination, rapid intervention capabilities, and cutting-edge technology. Participating units included the Land Forces, Air Force and Air Defense, Presidential Guard, Joint Aviation Command, National Guard, Abu Dhabi Police, and supporting services from the Ministry of Defense.
Highlights of the event included:
- Electronic warfare missions and rapid intervention operations, demonstrating precision and efficiency.
- Specialised raids, executed by Abu Dhabi Police units with high-altitude military parachuting displays.
- Explosive ordnance disposal operations, utilising advanced robotic systems.
The military also showcased state-of-the-art equipment, such as the Rabdan amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and the G6 self-propelled howitzer. Aerial assets, including CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, Black Hawk helicopters, Apache attack helicopters, and F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, added to the spectacle with simulated airstrikes and close air support.
The Union Fortress series, which began on Abu Dhabi Corniche in 2017, has voyaged various emirates, confirming national unity and military strength. The second edition was held in Sharjah in 2017, followed by Al Ain in 2018, Fujairah in 2018, Ajman in 2019, Ras Al Khaimah in 2019, Umm Al Qaiwain in 2020, Expo 2020 Dubai in 2022, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in 2023. This year’s 10th edition marks the event’s return to Al Ain.
The Union Fortress Military Parade continues to demonstrate the UAE Armed Forces’ role as a trusted guardian of national security and progress.