“I am happy to be among the Royal Air Force today to witness their achievements in terms of training and combat readiness,” the prince wrote in the command’s visitors’ register.

Prince Salman, who was appointed defense minister earlier this month, expressed his satisfaction over the continuous progress achieved by the air force. “We expect greater progress for this vital force,” the prince added.

Earlier on arrival at the command, Prince Salman was received by Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan, Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail and Air Force Commander Gen. Muhammad Al-Ayesh.

Al-Ayesh congratulated Prince Salman on his new appointment. He emphasized the importance of keeping his forces ready to face any eventualities.

“This cannot be achieved except through continuous and strenuous training during peace in order to make combat easy during war.”

He said the stability of the Ummah depends on “the fighting capability of our forces.” He also briefed the minister on the force’s mission.

Later addressing the air force personnel, Prince Salman underscored the tremendous development achieved by the Kingdom’s armed forces under the leadership of Prince Sultan, who died last month.