In a clear signal of strengthening military ties, the Egyptian Air Force has formally expressed its interest in learning advanced aerial warfare tactics from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The focus of this collaboration is on long-range penetration strikes, a highly specialised form of offensive air operation.
This development comes as a contingent of five IAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets landed in Egypt to take part in the multinational military drill, Exercise Bright Star 25.
A long-range penetration strike is a complex military mission where fighter aircraft fly deep into enemy territory to neutralise high-value targets, such as command centres, ammunition depots, and critical infrastructure. The primary challenge of these operations is to successfully bypass modern, multi-layered air defence systems.
The IAF has developed a formidable reputation for its proficiency in conducting such missions, built upon years of rigorous training and operational experience, which has captured the attention of the Egyptian military leadership.
Egypt's interest is largely driven by the proven capabilities of the IAF's Su-30 MKI fleet.
This versatile, twin-engine fighter is exceptionally suited for deep strike missions due to its extended combat radius of nearly 1,500 km, air-to-air refuelling capabilities, and a powerful suite of advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems.
Furthermore, the aircraft can carry a significant payload, including standoff weapons like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, allowing it to engage targets from a safe distance.
The Egyptian Air Force, which operates a diverse inventory of aircraft including French Rafales and Russian MiG-29s, is keen to adapt these tactical doctrines to enhance its own strategic deterrence.
The platform for this exchange of expertise is Exercise Bright Star 25, a premier biennial event hosted at Egypt's Mohammed Naguib Military Base.
Originally started as a bilateral exercise between the US and Egypt in 1980, it has since expanded to become one of the largest and most significant multinational drills in the region, regularly featuring forces from the United States, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and several other nations.
The exercise is designed to improve cooperation and prepare forces for complex modern combat scenarios.
The IAF detachment, which includes pilots, ground crew, and technical specialists, will participate in a series of joint manoeuvres.
Their activities will centre on simulating deep penetration strikes, engaging in air-to-air combat drills, and conducting coordinated operations alongside the air, land, and naval forces of participating countries.
This provides a valuable opportunity for the Egyptian Air Force to observe the IAF's mission planning, execution, and operational philosophy firsthand.
This military engagement is a cornerstone of the deepening strategic partnership between India and Egypt, which was formally elevated to a 'Strategic Partnership' in early 2023.
Both nations have been consistently working to expand their defence cooperation through joint training, high-level diplomatic visits, and knowledge sharing.
For Egypt, adopting India’s proven strike tactics is particularly relevant given the volatile geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and North Africa.
Ultimately, the participation of the Indian contingent in Exercise Bright Star 25 serves multiple strategic purposes. It allows the IAF to operate in a different geographical environment, gain insights into the tactics of allied forces, and project the formidable capabilities of its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter.
For Egypt and other participants, it is an opportunity to learn from one of the world's most experienced air forces, fostering greater interoperability and strengthening collective security in the region.
