The Egyptian and Turkish air forces conducted joint exercises that lasted several days in Egyptian airspace, concluding on Sunday.
The spokesperson for the Egyptian military explained that the exercise was carried out over several days at a number of air bases in Egypt.
He explained that the exercise included numerous training activities and joint sorties, involving a range of the latest models of Egyptian and Turkish multi-role fighter jets.
Tightening relations
This demonstrated the high level of proficiency achieved by the participating forces, as well as better facilitating the exchange of training and tactical expertise in planning, execution, and command and control methods.
The spokesperson noted that these exercises are part of developing military relations and joint cooperation between the air forces and their counterparts from friendly nations.
Egypt and Turkey have recently deepened their military cooperation, with their armed forces conducting several joint exercises across various branches in recent months, following a significant shift in bilateral relations in 2023, RT reported.
This growing military cooperation between Egypt and Turkey, most recently exemplified by the joint air maneuvers hosted by Egypt involving advanced fighter jets from both countries, has garnered considerable attention within Israeli security circles.
Israeli concern
Reports in Hebrew media outlets view the accelerating rapprochement between Egypt and Turkey to be a strategic shift in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially given that the two countries possess the largest military forces in the region.
According to assessments circulating in Israeli research and media circles, Israel’s concern is not related to the military exercises specifically, but instead the possibility of the Egyptian-Turkish partnership evolving into a higher level of long-term political and military coordination, encompassing issues in the Eastern Mediterranean, Libya, Gaza, and the Red Sea.
