The military forces in Egypt are among the largest and most powerful in the Arab world and Africa. Known as the Egyptian Armed Forces, they play a major role not just in national defense, but also in politics, the economy, and national development projects.
Here’s an overview of the main branches and structure of Egypt’s military:
1. Egyptian Armed Forces Overview
- Commander-in-Chief: The President of Egypt (currently Abdel Fattah el-Sisi).
- Minister of Defense: Oversees all military branches.
- Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.
- Total personnel: Over 500,000 active troops and hundreds of thousands of reserves.
2. Main Branches of the Military
a. Egyptian Army
- The largest branch.
- Responsible for ground operations and border defense.
- Equipped with tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, and infantry units.
- Key equipment: M1A1 Abrams tanks (co-produced in Egypt), Russian and Chinese gear as well.
b. Egyptian Navy
- Operates in the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
- Protects Egypt’s coastline, trade routes, and the Suez Canal.
- Includes frigates, submarines, missile boats, and amphibious assault ships.
- Recent upgrades from France, Germany, and Russia.
c. Egyptian Air Force
- One of the largest in the region.
- Responsible for air defense, strategic bombing, and supporting ground forces.
- Aircraft include F-16s, Rafales, MiG-29s, and Mirage 2000.
- Expanding drone capabilities and air defense systems.
d. Egyptian Air Defense Forces
- A separate, dedicated branch (unlike many countries).
- Handles anti-aircraft and missile defense.
- Uses radar systems and surface-to-air missiles (like S-300 and Buk systems).
3. Special Forces & Elite Units
- Sa’ka Forces (Thunderbolt): Elite commandos for counter-terrorism, raids, and rescue.
- 777 and 999 Units: Special operations units trained for urban warfare, hostage rescue, and counter-insurgency.
- Republican Guard: Protects the president and government institutions.
4. Role in Society & Politics
- The military is highly influential in Egyptian politics and economy.
- Involved in infrastructure projects, construction, food production, and even healthcare.
- Has significant control over state-owned enterprises and industries.
5. Modernization & Foreign Support
- Major suppliers: USA, Russia, France, China, and Germany.
- Receives U.S. military aid annually (over $1 billion/year).
- Participates in joint military exercises with countries like the U.S., Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Greece.
6. Recent Focus
- Counter-terrorism operations in Sinai Peninsula.
- Border security with Libya and Sudan.
- Protecting the Suez Canal and Egypt’s maritime borders.
- Increasing cybersecurity and drone warfare capabilities.
