Armed forces should be abreast with latest technology, Khalifa

In a statement to the Dira Al Watan magazine on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Khalifa said that the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, successfully transformed the concept of the unification of the armed forces into reality.

Shaikh Khalifa said that the armed forces played "a significant role in the country's march towards the establishment of a modern state." Shaikh Khalifa said that our armed forces should be abreast with modern military developments. "In doing that, we have to regularly review our military strategy," he said.

"We have been striving all along to get a common ground for development and defence and this strategy has led us to a great development in various fields," he said.

Meanwhile, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, has said that the unification of the UAE Armed Forces was a historic achievement.

In a statement to Dir Al Watan magazine, Gen. Sheikh Mohammed said the unification of armies of the emirates into a single and formidable force was a source of pride and a great achievement that must be safeguarded by the UAE people, particularly by men and women in uniform. He said, "This achievement is indeed the symbol of our independence, pride and dignity. It will undoubtedly be a source of pride and inspiration for the current and future generations."

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed said that the achievements that the UAE had made in various spheres had given the country a respect and admiration among the world's nations. "Our achievements have become examples to be emulated by others."

Lt-Gen. Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, said the unification of the armed forces was an imperative step towards enhancing the UAE federation. In a statement to the Al Difa'a Al Khaleeji magazine, Lt-Gen. Shaikh Mohammed described the Unification Day of the UAE Armed Forces as a "landmark in the history of our people and army".

He felicitated the President Shaikh Zayed and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, who with their far-sighted vision, he said, had realised the significance of having a unified armed forces.