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Abu Dhabi, 1 July 2012 (WAM) - UAE Armed Forces and Bahrain Defence Force began today a pre-scheduled joint military exercise, codenamed 'Hawks Union 1/2012'.

The exercise which involves personnel from UAE Air Force '&' Air Defence and Bahrain's Royal Air Force, is carried out as part of a joint strategy aimed at strengthening military cooperation and to improve capabilities of armed forces. It will continue for several days.

The exercise entails several joint defence scenarios, in addition to practical applications, tactical maneuvers, joint air operations, command '&' control and fire support.

The exercise comes as part of the joint military cooperation between the GCC armed forces to upgrade operational planning capabilities, to improve skills and to enhance combat readiness among different units of the armed forces.