Participating troops of the two sides advance to the mission sea area by assault boats for maritime rescue training during the China-Saudi Arabia Blue Sword-2025 naval joint training. (Photo by He Weiguo)

The China-Saudi Arabia Blue Sword-2025 joint naval special operations training wrapped up at a camp of the Royal Saudi Navy in late October.

During the nearly two-week joint training, more than 100 participating troops from the two sides carried out training on specialized land and sea skills as well as comprehensive drills focusing on hostage rescue, in the context of operations in densely built-up areas and crew member rescue at sea. The joint training further enhanced their technical and tactical performance and joint operational capabilities.

This joint training, as the third iteration of the Blue Sword series between the two navies, marked the first joint training organized by the Chinese PLA Navy and Special Operations Group 1 of the Royal Saudi Navy's Eastern Fleet. The relocation from the western part to the eastern part of Saudi Arabia further highlighted the real-combat orientation of the joint training.

Participating troops conduct helicopter fast-roping training during the China-Saudi Arabia Blue Sword-2025 naval joint training. (Photo by He Weiguo)

The Chinese participating troops pose for a group photo during the China-Saudi Arabia Blue Sword-2025 naval joint training.

The Chinese participating troops practice live-fire shooting during the China-Saudi Arabia Blue Sword-2025 naval joint training.

The participating troops of the two sides successfully completed every training task through close collaboration, which fully demonstrated their excellent professional competence and military quality. The joint training provided a platform for more exchanges and cooperation between the two navies. Through mutual learning and exchanges, the troops of the two sides made progress, and they established true friendship in technical and tactical exchanges.