Armed Forces Safeguard Nation’s Sovereignty: Ministry of Defence

Abu dhabi: Brigadier Staff Dr. Theyab Ghanim Almazrouei, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, affirmed that the UAE Armed Forces remain the nation's steadfast shield against anyone seeking to undermine its security and stability. Brigadier Staff Dr. Theyab Almazrouei stressed that the Armed Forces will remain fully prepared to confront any threat in order to protect the homeland and preserve its sovereignty and stability.

According to Emirates News Agency, Brigadier Staff Dr. Theyab Almazrouei highlighted that the Armed Forces have demonstrated high levels of readiness and professionalism in addressing threats across the various challenges witnessed by the region, supported by an integrated defence system developed according to the latest international standards. In an interview marking the 50th anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces, he emphasized the UAE Armed Forces' adoption of a proactive approach to keep pace with transformations in modern warfare, where technology and smart systems have become essential elements in military operations.

Brigadier Staff Dr. Theyab Almazrouei further elaborated that this approach is based on developing capabilities in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cyber warfare, while also qualifying national cadres to deal with advanced technologies and investing in innovation and technology. He emphasized that the UAE proceeds from a firm conviction that peace is the optimal strategic option for achieving stability and sustainable development through dialogue, cooperation, and building bridges of trust with countries worldwide.

He stressed that commitment to peace does not compromise national security requirements, emphasizing that protecting peace requires a force capable of deterring threats and confronting them firmly and professionally. Almazrouei affirmed that the balance between peace and strength reflects a deep understanding of the contemporary security environment, which requires combining effective diplomacy with deterrent military capability to preserve the country's security and stability and contribute to regional and international peace and security.

Recalling the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Almazrouei noted that building a strong and stable state required a unified national army with a solid doctrine and high readiness to protect the homeland and preserve its achievements. This strategic vision laid the foundations for continuous development that extended beyond traditional military aspects to include building military personnel capable of assimilating the latest military and technological sciences.

He affirmed that the wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has continued to strengthen this vision through advanced defence strategies, sustained investment in training and armament, development of national defence industries, and strategic partnerships with brotherly and friendly countries. After five decades of continuous work, Almazrouei stated that the UAE Armed Forces have become a model of efficiency, professionalism, and readiness, capable of carrying out their duties under various circumstances.

Brigadier Staff Dr. Theyab Almazrouei noted that the Armed Forces demonstrated exceptional capabilities in early detection, accurate analysis, and rapid decision-making in confronting aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and drones. This reflected advanced integration and coordination among military branches and security entities within a comprehensive national crisis-management system aimed at protecting lives, property, and continuity of normal life in the country.

He stressed that long-term investment in defence capabilities and operational readiness has contributed to building an Armed Forces capable of confronting contemporary challenges with confidence and efficiency. Brigadier Staff Dr. Theyab Almazrouei reiterated the UAE Armed Forces' recognition of the major transformations in warfare, with advanced technology and smart systems becoming essential elements in military operations.

The Armed Forces have adopted a proactive approach focused on developing capabilities in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cyber warfare, while also qualifying national cadres and strengthening international partnerships for the transfer of expertise and exchange of knowledge. He highlighted that investment in innovation and technology is a key pillar of the Armed Forces' strategy, contributing to operational superiority, raising efficiency, and reducing risks in military operations.

Almazrouei highlighted the role of the National Service Programme as one of the pillars of the state's comprehensive defence structure and a key contributor to enhancing readiness at various levels. The programme has contributed to preparing generations of Emiratis with discipline, physical fitness, and endurance, while instilling values of loyalty, belonging, and national responsibility.

He added that the programme extends beyond the military aspect to becoming an integrated national school contributing to building the Emirati personality capable of confronting challenges with confidence and efficiency. The programme has strengthened the concept of the 'citizen soldier' as a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive national security system, with recruits trained according to the highest standards in line with evolving modern threats.

Almazrouei stressed that the Armed Forces will continue developing the programme in line with future requirements and in a way that strengthens the capabilities of the homeland and its people in safeguarding achievements and sovereignty. He affirmed that the strength of the Armed Forces today is the result of integrated efforts developed over five decades, particularly investment in the human element through preparing and qualifying national cadres according to the highest standards.

He noted that military doctrine, continuous training, advanced equipment, integration among military branches, adoption of modern technologies, and strengthening national defence industries have all enhanced the readiness and operational efficiency of the Armed Forces. These combined factors have made the nation's shield stronger and more resilient in protecting the country's security and stability against various threats.

Almazrouei extended congratulations to the wise leadership on the occasion, reaffirming the Armed Forces' commitment to defending the homeland and preserving its achievements in line with the leadership's vision for a more secure and stable future. He also expressed pride in the people of the UAE, stressing that the achievements realized are the result of cohesion between the leadership and the people and the unity of national ranks.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the UAE martyrs, describing them as a source of pride whose memory will continue inspiring future generations with the values of sacrifice, loyalty, and devotion to the homeland. Brigadier Staff Dr. Theyab Ghanim Almazrouei reaffirmed the Armed Forces' determination to continue the path of development and modernization to strengthen readiness for future challenges and preserve the UAE's dignity, security, and stability under the wise leadership's ambitious strategic vision.