Saudi Arabia and China have successfully concluded the Blue Sword-4 joint naval exercise in Jubail, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Taking place from October 15-26, 2025 at the King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail, the Blue Sword-4 exercise involved the Royal Saudi Naval Force and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy.
The exercise featured training on several scenarios and field drills, such as urban combat; patrols, raids and ambushes; counterterrorism operations; and hostage rescue drills.
Moreover, the Blue Sword-4 included underwater mine detection and disposal; and fast-roping operations from Super Puma helicopters. The exercise also included live-fire training with light weapons, sniper shooting, and tactical firing exercises.
The Blue Sword-4 joint naval exercise aims to enhance military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China and exchange expertise to boost combat readiness. Additionally, it aims to develop capabilities in maritime counterterrorism, confronting maritime piracy, clearing naval mines, and countering tactical drones.
Saudi Arabia and China launched the first edition of Blue Sword exercise in November 2019 at the King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah, focusing on enhancing cooperation between the two countries’ naval forces.
The exercise’s second edition took place in October 2023 in Zhanjiang in southern China’s Guangdong province. It expanded to involve training on fast-roping from helicopters, underwater reconnaissance and drone operations.
