Sheikh Khalifa pays tribute to UAE Armed Forces, martyrs and Emirati servicewomen

To mark Armed Forces Unification Day, the President says the Emirati military is recognised for its local and global achievements

The US and UAE armed forces took part in the Native Fury military exercise in Abu Dhabi in 2020. All photos by Jon Gambrell for AP

An Emirati armoured personnel carrier charges into the water

A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk swoops into view during the training operation

An Emirati Boeing CH-47 Chinook takes off during the exercise at a base in Abu Dhabi

Emirati troops disembark an Emirati Boeing CH-47 Chinook

Emirati forces advance by land and air during the exercise at an Emirati military base

President Sheikh Khalifa said supporting the UAE's Armed Forces and its defence industry is a strategic priority for the country.

In a speech to mark the 45th anniversary of Armed Forces Unification Day on Thursday, Sheikh Khalifa paid tribute to those who contributed "with loyalty and devotion, to establishing the foundations of our Armed Forces".

He also praised those who lost their lives in service and reserved a special mention for Emirati servicewomen.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Rulers of the emirates joined the President in the tributes.

A special salutation to Emirati women who are performing their roles and duties with devotion and efficiency

In remarks carried by the Nation Shield journal and reported by state news agency Wam, Sheikh Khalifa said the decision to unify the Armed Forces in 1976 underlined the vision of the country's founders to establish a strong federal nation able to maintain its security and defend its interests.

He said the UAE Armed Forces were now recognised for their local and global achievements and this was down to Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, and the work carried on since then by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Rulers of the other emirates.

The 45th anniversary, Sheikh Khalifa said, "coincides with a new era as the country is foreseeing new horizons and establishing a new comprehensive development goal for the next 50 years, through proactive, long-term plans and visions".

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, inspects cadets at a graduation ceremony in Zayed Military City. Hamad Al Kaabi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

"Since its establishment in 1976, the military has been a key driver of the national development process and has defended the country and created a safe environment for maintaining this process.

"Over the past 45 years, our Armed Forces have trained the Emirati youth, promoted the values of patriotism, loyalty and sacrifice, and reinforced the national identity among them."

The President emphasised that the army also plays a vital role in tackling extremism and terrorism. It also provides aid, resolves conflicts, performs peacekeeping roles, preserves alliances and carries out rescue operations, Sheikh Khalifa said.

Sheikh Khalifa paid tribute to those soldiers who died, whether on duty or after serving, and he reserved a special mention for Emirati women.

"A special salutation to Emirati women who are performing their roles and duties with devotion and efficiency in all areas of work as key partners in the education process. We solemnly commemorate our martyrs who passed away while defending the country, its gains and capabilities," Sheikh Khalifa said.

"Our Armed Forces are the nation's shield and protector of its gains. Supporting and advancing the Armed Forces and defence industries remain a strategic priority."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also paid tribute to the "historic achievement" of unifying the Armed Forces.

"As we celebrate the anniversary of our Armed Forces Unification Day and appreciate their efficiency and capabilities, we should highlight a major achievement of our Armed Forces, which is the establishment of Emirati military industries," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"Today, our factories produce and export armoured vehicles, military transport vehicles, missiles of all types and categories, individual weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, training aircraft and airships, light stealth aircraft, ships, cruisers and warships, aerial surveillance and information-gathering equipment."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said unification was one of the "crucial and decisive decisions in the history of the country".

"Our Armed Forces have supported regional and global peace and stability through participation in peace-keeping operations around the world, combating terrorism and actively engaging in international efforts to address the dangers of terrorist groups," Sheikh Mohamed said.

The Rulers of Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman also paid tributes to the Armed Forces.

UAE mission to Kosovo 20 years on – in pictures

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, joins Emirati officers during a training session in Canjuers, southern France, in July 1999, before their deployment to KFOR in Kosovo. Jack Dabaghian / AFP

Emirati troops sit on their tanks on the main bridge separating the ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica on February 27, 2000. The UAE soldiers were sent to guard the bridge. Jack Guez / AFP

UAE Air Force personnel load neck braces into a helicopter for a flight up to the Kosovar refugee camps in northern Albania on April 25, 1999. Hundreds of thousands of refugees arriving in the camps have injuries. Mike Nelson / AFP

Thousands of refugees make their way home across the border from Albania into Kosovo Wednesday on June 16, 1999. There were more than 120,000 refugees in the Kukes area. David Guttenfelder / AP

Emirati soldiers sit atop a pillbox reading a map at the Nato humanitarian base at the Tirana Airport April 28, 1999 in Albania. The UAE Air Force flies four helicopter-missions a day to bring aid to Kosovar refugees in northern Albania. Mike Nelson / AFP

Kosovar refugees settle in the camp on May 10, 1999. Joel Robine / AFP

Two Emirati attack helicopters fly over the countryside bearing the KFOR markings of the Nato-led peacekeeping mission. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

UAE forces begin building a refugee camp in mid-April on muddy ground. Spring in Albanian brought snow, pouring rain and rising temperatures - often in the space of one day. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

The White Hands mission camp was located on low ground surrounded by mountains. The UAE Air Force managed to land a huge C-130 Hercules on a disused old landing strip nearby. “It was not easy to reach but thanks to God we succeeded. It was an amazing effort," Al Ketbi says. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

A young Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed accompanied by a TV crew tours the camp. Also pictured centre right is Obaid Al Ketbi. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

Emirati soldiers pictured at the camp near the town of Kukes, Albania. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

Kosovar children receive back to school kits and backpacks. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

“We would see four seasons [in a day], from cold to hot to warm weather," says Col Yousef Al Harmoudi. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

Supplies arrive by helicopter. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

Refugees queue for food and supplies. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi

A young girl waves the UAE flag as refugees prepare to return home from Albania to Kosovo. Courtesy: Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi