China and UAE to Hold Falcon Shield 2026 Joint Air Force Training

China and the United Arab Emirates are scheduled to hold the Falcon Shield-2026 joint air force training exercise, according to an announcement reported by Xinhua News Agency. The upcoming military drills mark a continued expansion of defense cooperation between the two nations.

The joint training program brings together personnel and aircraft from both the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force and the United Arab Emirates Air Force. Official notices highlight that the exercise aims to deepen practical cooperation and enhance tactical coordination between the participating military units.

Defense ties between Beijing and Abu Dhabi have seen steady growth through regularized exchanges and joint exercises in recent years. The Falcon Shield series serves as a primary platform for testing interoperability and sharing operational experience in modern air defense and tactical maneuvers.

Further details regarding the exact deployment locations, duration, and specific aircraft types participating in the 2026 iteration of the exercises remain pending further official updates from military authorities.