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)