The Kuwait Naval Force will conduct live-fire exercises on June 23 and 24, 2026, the Kuwait Army’s Directorate of Moral Guidance and Public Relations announced on Monday. The drills will run from 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day in two designated firing ranges in the Arabian Gulf, where the authority has called on citizens, residents, seafarers, fishermen and recreational boaters to avoid the zones to ensure safety.
The announcement detailed the locations as 16.5 nautical miles east of Ras Al-Julaiah extending to Qaru Island and 6 nautical miles east of Ras Al-Zour to Umm Al-Maradim Island. It emphasised that the exercises involve live ammunition, making the exclusion zone essential for public protection. Compliance with the advisory will allow the naval force to complete its scheduled training without interruption or risk.
Arab Times reported the Directorate’s call for all maritime traffic to steer clear of the affected waters throughout the 15.5-hour daily window. The measure aligns with standard procedures for such activities, which occur several times per year. Previous iterations have been similarly publicised in advance to minimise impact on commercial shipping and fishing operations.
Kuwait Naval Forces conducted analogous live-fire drills in August 2025 covering the same general areas, according to local media reports. Additional sessions took place in May and November 2025, demonstrating a pattern of regular proficiency training for the service’s crews. These exercises typically focus on gunnery practice and tactical manoeuvres using the force’s patrol vessels.
The Kuwait Naval Force maintains a strength of more than 2,200 personnel and operates a fleet that includes fast patrol boats and special operations craft, according to military assessments. Kuwait plays an active role in regional maritime security, including leadership of Combined Task Force 152, which patrols the Arabian Gulf for security threats. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command has highlighted Kuwait’s contributions to multinational efforts in the area.
In February 2024, the force participated in Exercise Eager Defender alongside U.S. military units to practice visit, board, search and seizure operations and other maritime security skills, according to a U.S. Navy statement. Such joint training enhances interoperability between Kuwaiti and coalition forces operating in the Gulf. The regular schedule of national live-fire exercises complements these partnerships by ensuring baseline readiness among Kuwaiti sailors.
The Mohammed Al-Ahmad Kuwait Naval Base serves as the headquarters for these activities, supporting maintenance and operational planning for the fleet. Advance notification of the drills allows mariners to plan alternative routes in advance. The Directorate did not disclose specific units involved or the types of munitions to be used in the upcoming sessions.
