FROM LAND AND AIR, HONOUR IN
Thousands of spectators watch a spectacular showcase of the country’s military expertise at the third Union Fortress, in Al Ain
Red flares billow in the wind, mingling with blackened smoke as a tank approaches a single-storey building.
Ground teams file out of military vehicles and line up against the wall, taking a moment before darting into the building one-by-one. Shots ring out as they clear each room of the “terrorists” within. Helicopters circle above as a fighter jet shoots across the sky. The men emerge from the building, victorious. The drill is a success and crowds cheer.
This scene was just one of many military exercises on show during the third Union Fortress parade yesterday.
Thousands of spectators gathered at Al Ain International Airport to watch one of the largest military spectacles by the Armed Forces.
Dozens of fighter jets and helicopters soared over the crowds as the jets painted the sky in the colours of the UAE flag. Meanwhile, special forces and ground combat troops executed military drills below.
At one point, an F16 fighter jet was dispatched to deal with a group of enemy fighters while tanks deployed on ground waited for teams to remove landmines before advancing towards buildings occupied by adversaries.
Troops on the ground had to overpower the enemy and protect the people within. With the help of P3 tanks, the Armed Forces unit managed to liberate the buildings by shooting at specific targets.
Elsewhere, explosions punctuated a scenario whereby members of the Presidential Guard had to protect a senior official who was under attack by terrorists while being transported in a black SUV.
Sirens blared and dozens of vehicles encircled the car as it sped from one end of the airport to another, kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake before screeching to a halt. The official was freed from the terrorists’ grasp through a ground force unit’s protection and armed soldiers suspended from helicopters, covering them from above. Throughout the show, the presenter who described the mock situation to the crowd could barely be heard over the sounds of the air force flying above.
The grand military display was performed to patriotic music, as pictures of the UAE’s rulers and leaders were simultaneously projected onto large screens.
In a show of national pride, two military pilots parachuted from a helicopter holding UAE flags. And later, men riding horses carried the country’s banner as they galloped across the airport.
Visitors from across the Emirates and the wider Arab world watched in awe as the strength of the UAE’s Armed Forces was displayed.
Volunteers from Emirates Red Crescent also wove through the crowds to distribute bottles of water, to ensure visitors stayed hydrated and cool as the temperature peaked at a balmy 33°C.
The first Union Fortress show was held in Abu Dhabi in March last year. It attracted huge crowds who watched an amphibious assault, helicopter exercises and a fly-by by the Al Fursan aerobatics squadron.
The initial event was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who was joined by leaders, military commanders and officials.
The second military demonstration was held eight months later in Sharjah, to much praise from the emirate’s ruler.
At the event attended by a plethora of VIP guests, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed said the nation’s Armed Forces were ready to offer the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the UAE.
“The UAE has always been associated with giving, being at the forefront in extending a helping hand to the needy and friends in all circumstances, in the implementation of the directives of the rulers of the country, led by President Sheikh Khalifa,” he said. “Our armed forces have stayed the same course, offering ultimate sacrifices in the service of the nation and religion.”