Commanders of the UAE Armed Forces commended the stellar progress of the armed forces' units and formations in weaponry and personnel since the Unification Day on 6th May, 1976.
Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alaw, Commander of Air Force and Air Defence, said the 6th of May was the day the armed forces moved towards modernisation.
"The UAE Armed Forces have played a vital role in the impressive development of the UAE. The UAE leadership believes that there will be no development without a strong army to protect it and realise security and stability," he added in a statement to Dira' al Watan (Nation Shield Magazine) on the 41st anniversary of the Armed Forces' Unification Day.
"Our air force is conducting several missions within the country and overseas with high professionalism, discipline and vigilance. It is always ready to meet the challenges ahead," he stated.
Major General Ibrahim Salim Al-Musharkh, Commander of the Naval Forces, termed the 6th of May as a historic milestone in the evolution of the country.
On that day, the foundation pillars of our armed forces were laid by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and other fellow leaders, he said.
"The UAE Armed Forces have gained prominent regional and international respect and recognition for their professional performance for missions in times of war and times of peace," he stressed.
"We always remain at maximum readiness and efficiency to carry out missions assigned to us by our leaders at any place in the world," he added.
Major General Saleh Mohammed Al Ameri, Commander of Land Forces, said the UAE Armed Forces, while marking their 41st anniversary of Unification, have become a force to be reckoned with in protecting the nation's gains and achievements, defending the dignity of brothers and friends, assisting refugees, displaced persons and the sick.
"The UAE Armed Forces servicemen offer the ultimate sacrifices in the battles of glory and dignity," he stated.
The Commanders of the UAE Armed Forces paid tributes to the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, and other UAE leaders who took the historic decision to unify the armed forces.
They also commended President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and other leaders for their relentless efforts towards modernisation of the national army.

Source: WAM