By Sarah Saad
Lieutenant General Pilot Magdy Shaarawy, a former commander of the Egyptian Air Force, has underscored the Air Force’s crucial contributions to the nation’s triumphant October War.
In an interview with The Egyptian Gazette, he highlighted the Egyptian Air College’s instrumental role in preparing fighter pilots during the pre-war era.
With branches in Belbeis, Marsa Matrouh, and Minya, the college provided rigorous training under the guidance of Russian experts.
Egyptian pilots were dispatched to Russia for initial flying training. When they returned home, they specialised in combat manoeuvres.
Shaarawy emphasised the demanding nature of pilot preparation.
This preparation, he said, requires years of intensive training, including combat flying and aerial manoeuvres.
“The Air Force’s martyred pilots made huge sacrifices during their training,” Shaarawy said.
“These sacrifices reflected the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to reclaiming Egyptian territories,” he added.
He praised late President Hosni Mubarak, the director of the Air Force Collegeat the time.
Mubarak, he said, successfully oversaw the graduation of numerous batches of pilot and managed training missions to Russia.
Turning to the October War, Lieutenant General Shaarawy recalled the opening airstrike which involved 220 Egyptian pilots supported by 80 aircraft for their return.
He also recounted the legendary Mansoura Air Battle, a remarkable feat where 36 Egyptian aircraft confronted 120 Israeli aircraft, thanks to meticulous planning and repeated sorties.
“The Egyptian Air Force still faces challenges in today’s regional and international landscape,” Shaarawy said.
“However, I have unwavering confidence in the Armed Forces’ faith in God, dedication to national security, and the wealth of experience accumulated over generations,” he added.
These factors, he said, make the Air Force a formidable entity that is capable of safeguarding Egypt and countering all threats.
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