Editing Egyptian Armed Forces (section)

== Structure ==
The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the [[President of Egypt]], currently [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]]. All branches, forces, armies, regions, bodies, organs and departments of the Armed Forces are under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who is at the same time the [[Ministry of Defence and Military Production]].

The [[Supreme Council of the Armed Forces]] (SCAF) is composed of 23 members, chaired by the [[Ministry of Defence and Military Production|Commander-in-Chief and Minister of Defence]], and is represented by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Commanders of military areas ([[Central Military Region (Egypt)|central]], [[Central Military Region (Egypt)|northern]], [[Western Military Region (Egypt)|western]], [[Southern Military Region (Egypt)|southern]]), heads of bodies ([[Military Operations Authority (Egypt)|operations]], [[Egyptian Armaments Authority|armament]], [[Armed Forces Logistics Authority (Egypt)|logistics]], [[Armed Forces Engineering Authority (Egypt)|engineering]], [[Armed Forces Training Authority (Egypt)|training]], [[Armed Forces Finance Authority (Egypt)|finance]], [[Military justice (Egypt)|military justice]], [[Armed Forces Management and Administration (Egypt)|Armed Forces Management and Administration]]), directors of many departments (officers and [[Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance (Egypt)|Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance]]), and assistant secretary of defence for constitutional and legal affairs. The Secretary of the Board is the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence.

===Army===
[[File:Cyclone Exercise between Indian Army and Egyptian Army Special Forces.webm|thumb|Egyptian and [[Indian Army|Indian]] special forces training together]]
A separate command for the [[Egyptian Army|Egyptian Land Forces]] was created on March 25, 1964.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2022 |title=القوات المسلحة-الهيئة العامة للإستعلامات |url=https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/234164/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A9?lang=ar |website=Egypt State Information Service}}</ref> It was officially abolished after the [[Six-Day War|Six-Day War of 1967]], and the command of land forces was returned directly to the [[Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (Egypt)|Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces]].<ref name="Gwady">[[Muhammed Gwady]], ''The Road to Setback - Memoirs of Egyptian Military Leaders 1967'' (ar: "الطريق إلى النكسة - مذكرات قادة العسكرية المصرية "1967), 2000 edition, 455 pages, ''Dar al-Khayal''.</ref>{{Rp|pages=304:307}}<ref name="Gwady" />{{Rp|pages=142:144}} The ground formations are divided into the [[East Military Canal Zone (Egypt)|forces east of the canal]], under whose command the two armies (the [[Second Army (Egypt)|Second]] and the [[Third Army (Egypt)|Third]]) and the military regions ([[Central Military Region (Egypt)|central]], [[Northern Military Region (Egypt)|northern]], [[Western Military Region (Egypt)|western]], and [[Southern Military Region (Egypt)|southern]]), in contrast to the rest of the forces, bodies, departments, and auxiliary agencies.

Conscripts for the [[Egyptian Army]] and other service branches without a university degree serve three years as enlisted soldiers. Conscripts with a General Secondary School Degree serve two years as enlisted personnel. Conscripts with a university degree serve one year as enlisted personnel or three years as a reserve officer. Officers for the army are trained at the [[Egyptian Military Academy]]. The IISS estimated in 2020 that the Army numbered 90–120,000, with 190–220,000 conscripts, a total of 310,000.<ref name=IISS2020E>IISS The Military Balance 2020, p. 372</ref>

===Air Force===
[[File:Egyptian Mirage 5 at Cairo-West 1985.JPEG|thumb|Egyptian Mirage V at Cairo-West air base, 1985]]
The Egyptian Air Force (EAF), a key branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces, operates a diverse array of aircraft sourced from the United States, France, Russia, and other countries. Its mainstay platform is the [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]], with Egypt having received 220 aircraft as of 2015, including Block 52 variants.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=EGYPT F-16 Program {{!}} Turkish Aerospace|url=https://www.tusas.com/en/product/egypt-f-16-program|access-date=2020-09-12|website=www.tusas.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=F-16 Air Forces - Egypt|url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article4.html|access-date=2020-09-23|website=www.f-16.net}}</ref> 

Since the mid-2010s, Egypt has pursued a comprehensive modernization of its air force to enhance combat readiness, diversify procurement sources, and replace aging fleets.<ref name=airforcemodernization>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.africa/2025/02/israel-wary-of-egypts-burgeoning-air-power/ |title=Israel Wary of Egypt’s Burgeoning Air Power |website=Military Africa |date=February 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref> A central component of this effort was the 2015 agreement with France for the acquisition of 24 [[Dassault Rafale]] fighter jets, followed by a second deal in 2021 for an additional 30 units, bringing the total to 54. These aircraft are stationed at [[Gebel el Basur Air Base|Gebel El Basur]] and are equipped with advanced weapon systems supplied by [[MBDA]] and [[Safran Electronics & Defense]], significantly improving Egypt’s multirole strike capabilities.<ref name=airforcemodernization/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportation-du-rafale-les-inquietudes-de-l-armee-de-l-air-482410.html|work=La Tribune|title=Exportation du Rafale : les inquiétudes de l'armée de l'air|date=9 June 2015|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150615182756/http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportation-du-rafale-les-inquietudes-de-l-armee-de-l-air-482410.html|archive-date=15 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="dassault">{{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-05-04/new-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-between-france-egypt-to-see-first-deliveries-from-2024-french-official|title=Cementing Egypt Security Ties, France Seals Large Warplane Deal|date=4 May 2021|access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>

Complementing these are 46 [[MiG-29|MiG-29M/M2]] fighters acquired from Russia,<ref name="46 MiG-29M/M2s">{{cite news|url=http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/05/25/593348-soglasovan-kontrakt-na-postavku-46-istrebitelei-mig-29-v-egipet|title=Согласован контракт на поставку 46 истребителей МиГ-29 в Египет|work=vedomosti.ru|date=24 May 2015|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626164540/https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/05/25/593348-soglasovan-kontrakt-na-postavku-46-istrebitelei-mig-29-v-egipet|archive-date=26 June 2018}}</ref> and legacy platforms such as the [[Mirage 2000]], [[MiG-21]], [[F-7 Skybolt]], and [[Mirage V]], though many older aircraft have been retired. The EAF’s rotary wing assets include 46 [[AH-64 Apache]] helicopters upgraded to the AH-64D variant,<ref name="boeing.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/2001/q4/nr_011203n.htm|title=Boeing: Boeing, U.S. Army Sign Contract for 35 Egyptian AH-64D Apaches|access-date=3 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111225920/http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/2001/q4/nr_011203n.htm|archive-date=11 November 2007}}</ref> as well as 42 [[Kamov Ka-52]] from Russia. The EAF also operates airborne early warning aircraft such as the [[E-2C Hawkeye]] and upgraded F-16s equipped with AGM-84 Harpoon capabilities.
[[File:Egyptian air force pilot.jpg|thumb|left|An Egyptian F16C Pilot]]
Efforts to modernize existing platforms have included the integration of Emirati-supplied Al Tariq precision-guided munitions onto Egypt’s Mirage 2000s, and similar upgrades on later-block F-16Cs.<ref name=airforcemodernization/>

Egypt has also explored expanding its fixed-wing fleet with platforms from multiple suppliers. Planned acquisitions included 24 [[Eurofighter Typhoons]] and 24 [[M-346]] jet trainers from Italy, although these deals were not finalized.<ref name=airforcemodernization/> More recently, Egypt has shown interest in acquiring Chinese [[J-10C]] and [[J-31]] fighter aircraft, potentially to further diversify its arsenal and reduce reliance on traditional Western suppliers.<ref name=airforcemodernization/>

While Egypt has historically faced US-imposed limitations in its access to long-range air-to-air weaponry, recent procurement choices and diversification strategies suggest a growing emphasis on achieving technological parity with regional air forces. This shift in air defense posture reflects a broader goal of reinforcing deterrence and ensuring greater operational independence.<ref name=airforcemodernization/>

In 2024 Israeli media reported that Egypt now possesses long-range [[Meteor (missile)|Meteor]] air-to-air missiles, capable of striking targets beyond visual range at supersonic speeds with high precision and a range of over 150 kilometres.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241119-israel-expresses-concern-about-egypts-long-range-air-to-air-missiles/ |title=Israel expresses concern about Egypt’s long-range air-to-air missiles |website=Middle East Monitor |date=19 November 2024 |access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref> Egypt has also received a significant amount of Russian [[R-77 (missile)|R-77]] beyond visual range air-to-air missiles as part of its MiG-29M/M2 deliveries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/egyptian-mig-29-deliveries-concluded-as-su-35-deliveries-begin/ |title=Egyptian MiG-29 deliveries concluded as Su-35 deliveries begin |website=DefenceWeb |date=20 April 2021 |access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref>

For training, the EAF fields Grob G-115 and K-8 Karakorum aircraft,<ref name=autogenerated2>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scramble.nl/eg.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031216161315/http://www.scramble.nl/eg.htm|url-status=dead|title=Scramble on the Web – Egyptian Air Force|website=www.scramble.nl|archive-date=16 December 2003}}</ref> and has developed UAV capabilities through various private sector and international partnerships.<ref name="sagem.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.safran-electronics-defense.com/media/20150924_sagem-and-aoi-aircraft-factory-sign-collaboration-agreement-drones-egyptian-defense-market?shadowbox=1|title=Sagem and AOI – Aircraft Factory sign collaboration agreement on drones for Egyptian defense market|date=24 September 2015|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> Strategic airlift capabilities have also expanded, with Egypt acquiring two [[Ilyushin Il-76|Il-76MF]] aircraft in 2019.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://weaponews.com/news/65353379-jordan-gave-egypt-two-military-transport-il-76mf.html|title=Jordan gave Egypt two military transport Il-76MF|website=weaponews.com|language=en|access-date=5 August 2019}}</ref>

===Air Defense Forces===
The [[Egyptian Air Defense Forces]] is Egypt's military service responsible for air defense. Egypt patterned its force after the [[Soviet Air Defence Force]], which integrated all its air defence capabilities; antiaircraft guns, rocket and missile units, interceptor planes, and radar and warning installations. It appears to comprise five subordinate divisions, 110 surface-to-air missile battalions, and 12 anti-aircraft artillery brigades.{{sfn|Touchard|2017|p=58}} Personnel quality has been assessed as somewhat lower than that of the Egyptian Air Force.{{sfn|Touchard|2017|p=77}} The IISS estimated in 2020 that personnel numbered 80,000 active and 70,000 reserve.<ref name=IISS2020E /> Its commander is [[Lieutenant General]] [[Aly Fahmy Mohammed Aly Fahmi]].

In recent years Egypt has undertaken a broad and sustained modernization of its air defense network, integrating a mix of Western, Russian, and domestic systems into a layered architecture. This includes the acquisition of German-made [[IRIS-T#IRIS-T SLM|IRIS-T]] systems, comprising seven IRIS-T SLM medium-range batteries, six IRIS-T SLS short-range units, and ten IRIS-T SLX long-range batteries. The first systems were delivered in 2021, though subsequent shipments were delayed in 2022 after Germany redirected some systems to Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion.<ref name=airdefensemodernization>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.africa/2024/10/egypt-enhances-air-defence-with-operationalization-of-iris-t-systems/ |title=Egypt enhances air defence with operationalization of IRIS-T systems |website=Military Africa |date=October 2024 |access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref> These platforms are supported by German [[TRML|TRML-4D]] radars and operate alongside French [[Ground Master 400]] AESA radars and Russian 59N6E Protivnik-GE early warning systems.<ref name=airdefensemodernization/>

In addition to European acquisitions, Egypt received the Russian [[S-300VM]] surface-to-air missile system beginning in 2017, offering long-range, high-altitude intercept capabilities. The S-300VM complements Egypt’s existing inventory and significantly boosts its ability to counter ballistic and cruise missile threats.<ref name=airdefensemodernization/>

The United States has also contributed to Egypt’s air defense capacity, supplying surplus systems including the [[MIM-72 Chaparral|Chaparral]] short-range air defense system and associated spare parts. These systems are used primarily for localized defense, particularly along Egypt’s borders,<ref name=airdefensemodernization/> complimenting Egypt's extensive arsenal of American [[MIM-104 Patriot|MIM-104F/PAC-3]] Patriot batteries acquired in 1999.<ref>Wade Boese, "U.S. Announces New Arms Sales to Middle East Worth Billions," ''Arms Control Today'', March 1999, www.armscontrol.org; Anthony Cordesman, "The Military Balance in the Middle East," ''Greenwood Publishing Group'', 2004.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Cordesman |first=Anthony H. | author-link = Anthony Cordesman | chapter=Current Trends in Arms Sales in the Middle East |date=2019-03-11 |title=Arms Control and the New Middle East Security Environment | editor-last = Feldman | editor-first = Shai |pages=19–60 |chapter-url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780429039119-2 |access-date=2024-08-19 |publisher=Routledge |doi=10.4324/9780429039119-2 |isbn=978-0-429-03911-9}}</ref>

===Navy===
{{see also|List of naval ships of Egypt}}
Organized naval activity in [[Egypt]] can be traced to the [[Early Dynastic Period (Egypt)|Early Dynastic period]], around 2800 BCE, when the state developed rudimentary maritime capabilities to support transport, trade, and military expeditions along the Nile and adjacent coasts.

During the early modern period, [[Muhammad Ali of Egypt|Muhammad Ali]], who became ''wali'' in 1805, established autonomous rule over Egypt and initiated a broad program of state and military development. As part of his efforts to build an empire, he prioritized the creation of a strong military, beginning with the army and followed by the navy. At the outset of his rule, Egypt already possessed a rudimentary naval force primarily used for troop transport. Its first recorded deployment was during the [[Wahhabi War]], facilitating the movement of troops from Egypt to [[Yanbu]] in the Hejaz.

In 1815, Muhammad Ali established the [[Alexandria Shipyard]] to construct warships, marking a significant step toward naval modernization. By the time of the [[Greek War of Independence]], the Egyptian Navy had expanded considerably, fielding more than 100 warships and several hundred transport vessels. In 1827, this fleet participated in the [[Battle of Navarino]], a pivotal engagement during the war.

Following World War II, elements of Egypt’s naval forces were stationed in the [[Red Sea]], although the majority remained concentrated in the Mediterranean. The navy’s main headquarters and operational facilities are based at Ras el-Tin near Alexandria.

The Egyptian Navy also oversees the [[Egyptian Coast Guard]], which is tasked with protecting coastal infrastructure and patrolling territorial waters to counter smuggling. According to the IISS Military Balance 2017, the Coast Guard comprised approximately 2,000 personnel, operating 14 fast patrol boats and 65 additional patrol vessels, including 15 Swiftships, 21 ''Timsah''-class, three Type-89s, and nine ''Peterson''-class boats.<ref>{{cite book|author=IISS|title=The Military Balance 2017|publisher=Routledge|place=London|page=374}}</ref>

Since 2014, Egypt has undertaken a broad naval modernization program aimed at addressing structural limitations in its maritime capabilities and enhancing its ability to operate beyond territorial waters. This initiative has included significant investment in new platforms, infrastructure, and training, reflecting a shift toward developing a blue-water navy. Notable acquisitions include [[Mistral class]] amphibious assault ships, [[FREMM]] and [[MEKO A-200]] frigates, [[Gowind-class design|Gowind class]] corvettes, and [[Type 209 submarine|Type 209 submarines]], as well as utility helicopters and coastal patrol vessels. Egypt has also pursued domestic shipbuilding through technology transfer agreements and expanded its naval infrastructure with new bases such as Berenice on the Red Sea and Ras Gargoub on the Mediterranean. These efforts reflect a strategic emphasis on maritime power projection, logistical reach, and the defense of national maritime interests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/14/04/2021/egypt-and-development-its-national-navy-how-cairo-responding-new-challenges |title=Egypt and the development of its national Navy: how Cairo is responding to the new challenges of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea |last=Troisi |first=Flavia |date=14 April 2021 |website=Global Policy |access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref>

=== Other agencies ===
The [[Armed Forces Medical Service Department (Egypt)|Armed Forces Medical Service Department]] provides many military health services. The [[Armed Forces College of Medicine]] in [[Heliopolis, Cairo|Heliopolis]], Cairo, provides medical training. As of February 2020, the AFCM commandant was Maj. Gen. Dr. Amr Hegab.<ref>{{cite web | title=News Details | website=Armed Forces College Of Medicine | date=2020-02-29 | url=http://www.afcm.edu.eg/EN/NewsDetails.aspx?id=1144 | access-date=2021-09-17}}</ref>

Egypt also maintains 397,000 [[paramilitary]] troops.{{sfn|IISS|2020|p=372}} The [[Central Security Forces]] comes under the control of the [[Ministry of Interior (Egypt)|Ministry of Interior]]. As of 2017, the [[Egyptian Border Guard Corps]] falls under the control of the Ministry of Interior as well. Circa 2020, according to the ''IISS Military Balance 2020,'' they comprised an estimated 12,000, in 18 border regiments, with [[Small arms and light weapons|light weapons]] only (IISS 2020, p.&nbsp;375). However, that listing of numbers has remained the same at least since the 2017 edition (p. 375).