UAE-US LEADING EDGE 13 concluded n Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Feb 7, 2013 (WAM)- LEADING EDGE 2013, a United Arab Emirates and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) executed and Inter-Agency (IA) supported biennial multilateral Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) exercise successfully concluded here yesterday. The exercise, which involved 28 sisterly and friendly nations, was designed to enhance Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) interdiction capabilities with partner nations to deter and disrupt movement of WMD-related material, technology, expertise and equipment, to include addressing the challenges of suspect material inspection, discharge and disposition. Discussions and land, air and sea demonstrations were designed for partnership nations concerned about WMD proliferation, to refine interdiction tactics, techniques and procedures and study related challenges in a positive and mutually beneficial environment. The exercise focused on the benefits of PSI endorsement for regional partners, reinforced national interdiction processes, and forged interdiction cooperation pathways. LEADING EDGE 13 consists of a multilateral Field Training Exercise (FTX) and a Table Top Exercise (TTX) conducted in the UAE. The exercise involved all relevant agencies (military, law enforcement, customs, energy, finance, commerce, and industry) that link PSI actions to enhances strategic interdiction decision making at the operational and strategic levels. Major General Saif Musabbah Abdullah Al Musafri, Chief of Operations, UAE Armed Forces, attended the final activity along with Kenneth Handleman, Principal Deputy Assistant US Secretary for Global Strategic Affairs, and a number of senior officers and stakeholder agencies. Commander of Leading Edge 13 said the exercise had promoted understanding and coordination between the participating forces to catch up with the advanced technology to address challenges and changes. The exercise, he added, had delivered its objectives of upgrading capabilities of involved nations to detect and intercept materials used for developing weapons of mass destruction. The participating nations shared information, expertise and lessons for building effective partnership to enforce laws regulating exports and imports. He stressed that Leading Edge 13, which had nothing to do with the current regional and international events, had delivered a qualitative progress in bolstering joint military coordination and cooperation between sisterly and friendly nations. For the UAE, he said, the interagency as well as a multi-national exercise had improved the Armed Forces' combat readiness and response to shoulder their duties and missions properly. - Emirates News Agency, WAM