‘Swift Falcon’ showcases advanced Kuwait-France military partnership

24/09/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 24: French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin affirmed that the “Swift Falcon” exercise on air operations exemplifies the advanced military partnership between France and Kuwait and reflects a high level of operational harmony between the armed forces of both countries. He explained that the exercise is the result of long-standing cooperation based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional security. It also serves as an opportunity to deepen operational coordination and enhance the forces’ speed of response and effectiveness in confronting crises.

The ambassador stated, “In a region marked by ongoing tensions and the rise of unconventional and asymmetric threats, these exercises hold immense strategic significance. They provide us with an opportunity to test and strengthen our joint capabilities for immediate and coordinated action while facilitating the exchange of expertise in confronting both conventional and hybrid challenges.” He stressed that these exercises directly support the strategic solidarity between France and Kuwait, reinforce Kuwait’s security, and contribute to the stability of the Gulf and the wider region.

Ambassador Gauvin said, “The active participation of French forces in these exercises represents a fundamental pillar of our bilateral relations with Kuwait. It reflects our will to strengthen the strong and sustainable defense cooperation, in line with current security challenges. It also sends a clear message of our commitment to Kuwait, particularly in the areas of training, expertise exchange, and capacity building.” He highlighted that the Swift Falcon exercise at Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base made a strong impression on him, particularly due to the high level of coordination and operational realism, indicating that the excellent cooperation between the French and Kuwaiti forces was evident.

The ambassador said, “What stood out to me most was the spirit of camaraderie, professionalism, and mutual trust between the two sides. This reflects the deep bond that has been built over decades of cooperation between our armed forces.” Regarding plans to increase the number or enhance the quality of joint military exercises between the two countries, he said, “Yes, several projects are currently being developed to further strengthen military cooperation between France and Kuwait.” Ambassador Gauvin explained that, “Work is underway to extend the duration of the Swift Falcon exercise and expand the range of air assets used, including helicopters, to enhance the level of harmony and operational understanding between French and Kuwaiti pilots.

The next edition of the “Pearl of the West” exercise, scheduled for 2026, also represents an important milestone, as it will be a large-scale joint exercise bringing together all branches of the French and Kuwaiti armed forces. We are also working on preparing for other exercises, such as the “Arab Breeze” exercise, which focuses on the maritime aspect, particularly in the field of diving and mine clearance teams.” Ambassador Gauvin affirmed that military cooperation reflects the strength of the strategic partnership between France and Kuwait. Defense cooperation between the two countries, he explained, is rooted in historical foundations and deep ties, particularly those forged during the Kuwait Liberation War, when 18,000 French soldiers stood along with their Kuwaiti brothers in the battle for sovereignty and freedom.

The 1992 defense agreement, France’s oldest such pact with any Gulf country, embodies this close relationship and stands as a symbol of loyalty and mutual trust. Regarding the possibility of new cooperation agreements between the two countries in military, security, or other aspects, Ambassador Gauvin said, “We welcome the expansion of cooperation, which includes the integration of Kuwaiti and French officers into each other’s armed forces, the organization of joint exercises, and the continued expansion of military training programs for Kuwaiti personnel in France. These training courses and joint field activities help strengthen what can be described as operational harmony between the two forces.”

By Fares Ghaleb
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff