Egypt and France have launched a joint military air exercise, dubbed “Amon-2026,” involving fighter jets and coordinated combat operations at several airbases across Egypt.
The Egyptian military spokesman announced the exercise on Sunday, saying the manoeuvres would run over several days and involve different types of aircraft from both countries.
The programme began with theoretical sessions aimed at harmonising operational concepts, enhancing military skills and improving coordination in joint air combat scenarios.
Fighter Jets to Conduct Joint Missions
As part of the exercise, multi-role fighter jets from the Egyptian and French air forces will conduct joint sorties to practice attacking enemy targets and defending vital assets.
According to the military spokesman, the missions are designed to strengthen operational efficiency and improve the forces’ ability to coordinate during different combat scenarios.
The exercise forms part of Egypt’s broader joint military training programme, which seeks to strengthen defense cooperation with friendly and partner nations.
Cairo, Paris Deepen Military Ties
The exercise comes amid longstanding military cooperation between Egypt and France, particularly in air and naval defense.
France has supplied Egypt with dozens of Rafale fighter jets, as well as frigates and other advanced military equipment, reinforcing defense ties between the two countries.
Joint military exercises between Cairo and Paris have also expanded across air and naval operations, reflecting their cooperation on regional security issues, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
The name “Amon” refers to Amun, an ancient Egyptian deity associated with air and the sun and has previously been used for joint military exercises between the two countries.
Egyptian authorities have not disclosed the exact number of aircraft participating in the exercise or its total duration, citing operational security considerations.
