The joint Egyptian-Turkish military drill "Golden Eagle" kicked off on Wednesday with the participation of the Egyptian Airborne Forces, Egyptian Thunderbolt Forces and the Turkish Special Forces. The drill is part of the growing military cooperation between Cairo and Ankara and is in line with the military framework agreement signed during Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan’s visit to Egypt in February. The first phase of the drill included a series of theoretical lectures on various subjects aimed at unifying operational concepts and boosting integration and interoperability among the participating forces. An exhibition of the weapons and equipment used during the exercise was also organized. Military and strategic expert and president of the Arab Foundation for Development and Strategic Studies Samir Ragheb said the drill reflects the extent of the development of military relations between Egypt and Türkiye, which, in turn, is a reflection of their political rapprochement. He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the two countries are increasing the number of drills between them. Egypt also recently joined Türkiye’s program to develop the KAAN stealth fighter jet, he noted. Last month, Egypt’s Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa met with his Turkish counterpart Selcuk Bayraktaroglu in Cairo, underlining the importance of coordinating efforts and supporting military cooperation with Türkiye to achieve common interests. Egypt and Türkiye signed a military cooperation agreement during Erdogan's visit to Cairo in February. (Egyptian Presidency) Adel Al-Omda, military adviser at the Military Academy for Postgraduate and Strategic Studies, noted that Egypt is facing “grave international challenges from all directions, which demands ongoing tactical and information cooperation.” He told Asharq Al-Awsat that cooperation means that these challenges can be confronted, offering a reassuring message to the people. Military cooperation with a major regional power such as Türkiye will yield positive results and counter some challenges, he remarked. So long as there is military cooperation, political and economic agreement can be ensured, he added. Ragheb noted that the military drill sends a positive message that relations are strong and stable. It also sends a message that the countries are prepared to stop wars as neither of them want to be embroiled in the regional conflict. They have both played mediator roles in Gaza, Iran, Yemen and Syria.
