France and Qatar have launched the second phase of their nearly month-long exercise.
The second phase of Gulf Falcon-6 focuses on joint maneuvers by warships from both countries in the Arabian Gulf, according to a report by Middle East Newsline (MENL), which added that the exercise began on Wednesday and is expected to last until Monday.
Officials said French and Qatari ships will engage in military maneuvers as well as in search-and-rescue operations. The exercise comprises both frigates and missile boats.
The first stage of Gulf Falcon-6 ended on Tuesday and consisted of simulations to test the reaction time and interoperability of the joint French-Qatar military command. France has brought leading commanders as well as close to 2,000 troops for the maneuvers, according to MENL.
Officials from both countries expressed satisfaction with the performance of French and Qatari troops. France is Qatar's leading military ally and supplies about 80 percent of Doha's weapons arsenal.
Gulf Falcon-6 is scheduled to end on April 14, said the news service – Albawaba.com
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