28-04-2025
Military Spokesman: Egypt's enhanced combat capabilities ready to deter ongoing, future threats to safeguard national security on all strategic fronts
CAIRO – 28 April 2025: Due to the ongoing regional and international changes, Egypt faces shifting challenges across all strategic fronts and this pushed the General Command of the Egyptian Armed Forces- backed by the political leadership- to adopt a comprehensive development strategy aimd at safeguarding the state's capabilities and gains besides maintaining its national security, said Spokesman of the Egyptian Armed Forces Staff Officer Gharib Abdel-Hafez in an interview with Youm7 on Monday.
He added that since 2013, the Armed Forces have experienced an unprecedented arms expansion, marked by the diversification of weapon sources. During this time, the military has focused on enhancing its combat capabilities and technical proficiency through a comprehensive modernization strategy. This effort aims to upgrade all major branches of the Armed Forces, align with the rapid evolution of combat systems and methods, and ensure readiness to carry out missions under all conditions and across all strategic directions.
Regarding the enhancement of naval capabilities, the Staff Officer stated that two naval fleets have been established to secure maritime operations in both the Mediterranean and Red Seas. These fleets have been equipped with modern naval assets to strengthen both offensive and defensive capabilities along Egypt's 2,936 kilometers of coastline.
He further noted that Egypt has signed several diversified arms deals, the most prominent of which include the French-manufactured Mistral-class landing helicopter docks and the German-made Type 209/1400 attack submarines. The naval fleet has also been reinforced with Italian-made FREMM multipurpose frigates, the Egyptian-built Gowind-class corvettes, and domestically manufactured MEKO A200 frigates.
Regarding the Air Forces, Abdel-Hafez said that the latest generation of multi-role fighter aircraft—such as the Rafale and others— joined the air forces fleet, as they are capable of striking designated targets at long ranges and under diverse operational conditions.
In parallel, he continued, the Egyptian Air Defense Forces have undergone substantial modernization. Egypt now possesses a sophisticated and integrated air defense system that aligns with the most advanced global armament standards. This system incorporates reconnaissance, early warning, radar, and air surveillance components, all designed to detect and respond to threats promptly and effectively.
The military spokesman said that the Egyptian Armed Forces manufactured anti-drone systems and radars, combat identification systems, in cooperation with the research centers at the Armed Forces and other civlians institutions.
Egypt has also constructed several ground, naval, and air bases to address growing security challenges along its borders. Key installations include the Mohamed Naguib Military Base, the Sidi Barrani Military Base, and the July 3 Naval Base. The Staff Officer added that additional bases, such as the Berenice Military Base, have been established to protect the Red Sea coastline and secure the southern strategic direction, ensuring the Armed Forces are prepared to counter any threats to national security.
The military spokesman emphasized that the Armed Forces' enhanced capabilities and combat readiness provide the necessary deterrent power to execute any current or future missions required to safeguard Egypt's national security across all strategic directions. He further affirmed that the Egyptian state remains fully capable of protecting the interests and resources of its people and is consistently prepared to confront the challenges and threats arising from evolving regional and international dynamics.
Staff Officer Gharib Abdel Hafez also explained that the Armed Forces paid great attention to enhance combat efficiency. This was clearly demonstrated through joint training exercises with friendly countries, according to carefully studied plans.
Regarding the Armed Forces' role in combating terrorism, the military spokesman emphasized that the true guarantee for confronting terrorism lies in addressing its root causes through a scientific and comprehensive approach. This strategy aims to ensure security and social stability—key pillars of the Egyptian state—and is built on three core axes: security, social, and developmental.
He noted that one of the clearest indicators of the success of Egypt's efforts is the recognition by international organizations—most notably the United Nations—of the country's comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. This recognition was highlighted in the UN's semi-annual report issued in January 2022, which addressed the global threat posed by terrorist organizations and the UN's support for member states in countering it.
The report specifically praised Egypt's efforts in combating terrorism, citing a marked decline in terrorist activity in North Sinai, increasing defections among militant elements, and the subsequent weakening and fragmentation of terrorist groups. It also highlighted Egypt's investment in infrastructure, transportation, and housing in Sinai as vital components of its developmental approach to counterterrorism.
The official military spokesman for the Egyptian Armed Forces highlighted the military's pivotal role in supporting the country's comprehensive development through several initiatives. Key infrastructure initiatives include the redevelopment of slum areas, the construction of new residential cities in several governorates, the establishment of water desalination plants, the development and modernization of numerous hospitals and medical centers, and the creation of advanced road networks.
Since June 30, 2014, the Armed Forces have been tasked with implementing 460 development projects across the Sinai Peninsula, serving all sectors of comprehensive development, Abdel-Hafez said. These projects are carried out in collaboration with national companies and consulting offices, contributing not only to infrastructure advancement but also to the creation of job opportunities for Egyptian youth.
