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Egypt Showcases Armed Forces’ Capabilities in Military Ceremony with UAE Crown Prince.
On October 6, 2024, Egypt held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of military officers, featuring an impressive parade and dynamic presentations attended by senior Egyptian and Emirati officials, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ). This solemn event, reminiscent of recent international military exhibitions, showcased a powerful display of Egypt’s military strength.
These artillery systems are deployed in border defense missions and during joint military exercises, such as the multinational Bright Star exercise (Picture source: CBC Egypt)
The parade began with the display of Egypt’s armored and defense systems, underscoring the country’s emphasis on its ground forces. Among the featured equipment were M109A2 and M109A5 self-propelled artillery units, in use since the 1980s to provide swift and mobile fire support.
The M109A2, equipped with a 155 mm caliber and a firing range of up to 18 km, offers frontline artillery support to the Egyptian army. Egypt operates over 200 units of the M109A5, extending firing capacity to around 24 km. These artillery systems are deployed in border defense missions and during joint military exercises, such as the multinational Bright Star exercise.
The M1A1 Abrams tanks also featured prominently, highlighting Egypt's ground strike capabilities. Egypt possesses the second-largest fleet of Abrams tanks worldwide, following the United States, and maintains the only manufacturing and maintenance facility for these vehicles outside of U.S. soil. Equipped with advanced protection systems and a 120 mm cannon, these tanks are critical for territorial defense missions. Acquired in the 1990s, they have become a central component of Egypt’s armored combat capabilities.
Alongside the tanks, M113A2 armored personnel carriers, introduced in the 1980s, provide enhanced mobility and soldier protection. These vehicles transport troops and equipment in high-risk zones, demonstrating Egypt's commitment to troop safety during operations.
Egyptian forces also displayed their air defense capabilities with the SA-2 Pechora-2M surface-to-air missile system, a short-range missile capable of countering low-altitude air attacks, thus ensuring effective aerial coverage over sensitive areas.
The demonstration was enhanced by the deployment of AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters for rapid casualty extraction. (Picture source: CBC Egypt)
The demonstration continued in the air with a display of AH-64 Apache and AugustaWestland AW139 helicopters, operated by Egypt’s Thunderbolt corps. First acquired in the 1990s, the Apache helicopters serve as formidable attack machines, equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and 30 mm caliber machine guns. They play a vital role in reconnaissance missions, convoy protection, and targeted strikes against enemy positions, particularly in northern Sinai. The more recently introduced AW139 helicopters primarily support rescue operations, medical evacuations, and tactical transport, adding essential flexibility to Egypt’s air forces.
Egyptian special forces also performed an impressive demonstration of their operational capabilities. In this exercise, sniper units, reconnaissance teams, and assault units coordinated a series of complex maneuvers. The demonstration was enhanced by the deployment of AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters for rapid casualty extraction.
Egyptian special forces also performed an impressive demonstration of their operational capabilities. In this exercise, sniper units, reconnaissance teams, and assault units coordinated a series of complex maneuvers (Picture source: CBC Egypt)
Static elements were also on display, illustrating the diversity of Egypt’s military equipment. Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, such as the RG-33L, M1220, and Caiman, known for their resistance to mines and ambushes, drew attention. These vehicles are crucial in peacekeeping operations and securing hostile areas. The RG-33L’s reinforced structure protects occupants from mine explosions and light arms fire, while the M1220 and Caiman offer increased mobility and protection for troops operating in high-risk zones.
A notable attraction was the naval drone, Dolphin SDV-X Swimmer, designed for underwater surveillance and intervention operations. This drone, used for reconnaissance and threat detection in shallow waters, is a valuable asset for naval operations, providing discreet and effective intelligence capabilities.
This graduation ceremony thus served not only as a celebration for new recruits but also as a showcase of Egypt’s military strength and modern equipment. By enhancing its capabilities across ground, air, and maritime domains, Egypt demonstrates its commitment to maintaining an armed force equipped to address regional threats, with an increasing technological mastery in fields as diverse as armored vehicles, combat helicopters, and advanced defense systems.