On Thursday, Egypt and France conducted joint naval drills in the Mediterranean. Egypt’s Tahya Misr frigate participated alongside France’s Latouche-Treville frigate.
The drill comes within the framework of the Egyptian Army’s General Command’s plan to enhance their level of training and exchange of expertise with the armed forces of friendly countries. These drills also come at a time when Egypt, Greece, France, and Cyprus are at odds with Turkey. This is over Ankara’s interference in Libya, and its oil exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean.
The drills focused on organising cooperation while implementing combat missions at sea, against hostile naval formations. The forces used weapons while engaging surface and aerial targets, in addition to carrying out confrontational battles with the use of seaborne aircraft as training exercises. The drills also included simulations of protecting a ship of special importance while crossing a dangerous area, as well as training measures taken by warships of different countries, to protect maritime economic zones.
The training aims to support cooperation between Cairo, and Paris. It will also enhance the skills and capabilities of the participating forces and maintain peace in the Mediterranean.
The statement added that “These drills come in the framework of supporting the pillars of joint cooperation between the Egyptian and French armed forces, identifying the latest fighting systems and methods. This was done in a manner that contributes to honing skills, combat and operational experiences, and supporting efforts of maritime security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean.”