Dina Yehya
The Egyptian Air Force is working to maintain the highest levels of readiness and combat preparedness in order to carry out its missions efficiently, protect the country’s airspace and safeguard national resources, its commander, Air Marshal Amr Abdel Rahman Saqr, has said.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Air Force’s 94th anniversary on 14 October, Saqr said modern air forces depend on integrated systems rather than simply on the number or types of aircraft and equipment they possess.
He explained that Egypt’s modernisation strategy covers advanced aircraft, command and control systems, reconnaissance, continuous training, and technical, engineering, medical and logistical support.
Saqr stressed that technological development requires continuous modernisation, and that human expertise remains central to operating advanced systems effectively. Personnel, he added, must develop their skills to understand emerging technologies, analyse data and make decisions in increasingly complex operational environments.
On the second edition of the El Alamein International Airshow, Saqr said the event serves as a platform for international cooperation, bringing together aviation and space technologies, industry and scientific research. He highlighted the participation of international companies and specialised delegations, as well as a scientific forum addressing the future of aviation and space technology, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
Turning to the Egyptian-Chinese Eagles of Civilization 2026 joint air exercise, Saqr said the drills had provided opportunities to exchange expertise, coordinate procedures and practise joint mission planning and execution. The exercise included theoretical and practical training, joint flights, various aerial missions and tactics, and aerial refuelling.
He also emphasised that the Air Force’s effectiveness depends on teamwork among pilots, engineers, technicians, medical personnel and support crews. Modern equipment must therefore be accompanied by qualified personnel capable of operating and maintaining it, he added.
Saqr noted that the Air Force had continued its modernisation efforts in recent years, and thanked the political leadership and the Armed Forces General Command for their ongoing support. He added that preserving accumulated experience and passing it on to younger generations through training, education and simulation is essential to maintaining operational readiness.
He concluded that preparing for the future requires anticipating global scientific and technological developments, continuously updating training programmes and ensuring that current capabilities serve as a starting point for further progress.
