The joint Egyptian-American military exercise, Bright Star 2025, concluded last week with an impressive display of coordinated military prowess, bringing together 44 nations in a demonstration of commitment to regional and international security. Spanning across the Mohamed Naguib Military Base and various naval and air installations, the exercise showcased the seamless integration of multinational forces in complex and realistic training scenarios.
The final phase of Bright Star 2025, a culmination of weeks of intensive training, was witnessed by high-ranking officials including Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, and Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Lieutenant General Dimitrios Choupis.
This phase was a tour de force of military capabilities, featuring a wide range of naval and combined arms operations designed to test the forces’ readiness against modern threats.
The exercises included live surface artillery fire aimed at countering asymmetric threats, along with comprehensive vessel boarding and search operations.
On land, the forces executed a simulated special forces attack on a hostile beach, demonstrating mastery of amphibious landings and tactical parachute drops. The air forces provided critical support with coordinated airstrikes on coastal targets, ensuring a complete and overwhelming assault on simulated enemy positions. Lieutenant General Khalifa praised the high level of professionalism and coordination, emphasising that the advanced capabilities displayed by the troops reflected a deep operational understanding and successful implementation of complex scenarios under realistic conditions.
“The professionalism and precision exhibited by all units affirm our collective ability to conduct high-level joint operations in defence of regional and international security,” Lieutenant General Khalifa stated.
He further expressed hope for broader participation in future editions of ‘Bright Star’, noting that the integration of diverse military doctrines enhances interoperability and strengthens international military collaboration.
Lieutenant General Dimitrios Choupis also praised the cohesion and high performance of the multinational units, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration in maintaining readiness and regional stability.
The main phase: A live-fire spectacle
Prior to the final phase, the main event of the exercise was a spectacular live-fire tactical drill attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence, General Abdul-Maguid Saqr. The drill was a dynamic showcase of firepower and coordination. Multi-purpose fighter jets and anti-tank helicopters worked in concert to engage and destroy hostile targets, while artillery units provided precise, long-range strikes. Mechanised and armored units advanced with the support of anti-tank guided missiles and air defence systems, demonstrating their ability to sustain an offensive and neutralise enemy positions effectively.
The highlight of this phase was the close coordination between all combat formations, showcasing a high degree of maneuverability and effective use of terrain.
The day’s activities concluded with a symbolic “friendship jump” by paratroopers, who descended with the flags of all participating nations, a powerful visual representation of the unity and camaraderie forged during the exercise. General Saqr conveyed the greetings of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and praised the outstanding performance of the forces, underscoring the exercise’s importance in strengthening military co-operation.
Counter-terrorism
A significant and earlier part of the exercise focused on a major joint counter-terrorism drill, also attended by Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa.
The exercise began with a speech from Commander of the Northern Military Zone, Major General Staff Yasser El-Khatib, who highlighted commitment to closely following all stages of training with the aim of maximising benefits of exchanging expertise among participating forces. He also underscored the importance of enhancing joint co-operation to raise the combat efficiency of all troops involved.
The training featured a live simulation of a raid on an armed terrorist stronghold. Airborne units from participating countries began the operation with coordinated parachute jumps, while military engineers neutralised improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and secured access routes. Special forces and Egyptian civil police units then launched a joint ground assault to clear the stronghold.
This phase was not just about combat; it also included a critical post-operation component where medical and logistical support elements were deployed to restore essential services and secure the area, ensuring conditions for the safe return of normal life. The focus on this aspect of the operation demonstrated a holistic approach to security and stability.
Beyond the field exercises, the drill also included specialised training exercises (STX) and a Command Post Exercise (CPX), which provided a platform for the exchange of operational expertise. These sessions focused on vital tactical scenarios like countering IEDs, emergency first aid, and drone defence operations. A notable innovation this year was the introduction of a practical cyber component, where forces trained collectively on how to counter cyberattacks, highlighting the exercise’s adaptation to modern security challenges.
Ultimately, the Bright Star 2025 exercise underscores Egypt’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of regional stability and a key partner in global security. For Egypt, the gains are manifold. The drills provide a vital platform for its Armed Forces to enhance interoperability with militaries from across the globe, refine combat readiness, and gain exposure to the latest military doctrines and technologies, including the crucial new cyber component. By hosting one of the world’s largest multinational exercises, Egypt not only showcases its impressive logistical and operational capabilities, but also reinforces its strategic position as a defence hub.
