Egypt, US Kick off 'Bright Star 2018' War Games with UAE, Saudi Participation

[The SC]

Friday, 31 August, 2018 - 12:15

US troops participating in the exercises Bright Star 2018 arrive in Egypt , Asharq Al-Awsat
Cairo- Waleed Abdurrahman

The Egyptian army announced the arrival of a number of US equipment and troops participating in “Bright Star 2018” war games scheduled to be held at the Mohammed Najib Base and the Mediterranean Sea from 8 to 20 September.

Land, naval and air forces from Egypt, US, Greece, Jordan, Britain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Italy and France will take part in the drills.

Several countries, including Lebanon, Rwanda, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DR Cong, Chad, South Africa, Senegal and Canada, were invited to monitor the exercises.

The training aims at exchanging military experience, coordinating the work of joint forces, standardizing concepts and improving skills of participants.

They also aim at developing operations and training in counterterrorism and asymmetrical warfare, planning administrative support and medical evacuations.

The latest methods of combating threats to maritime security, planning and managing joint air operations as well as promoting stability in the region are also put to display.

Bright Star 2018 falls within the framework of joint drills, which the Egyptian Armed Forces conduct to promote military relations with ally states.

The drills also highlight the depth of the military relations between Egypt and the US as well as the strategic partnership binding the two sides.

For nearly five years, Egypt has faced bloody terrorist attacks targeting civilians and security forces across the country, the most violent incidents took place in the period following the overthrow of former President Mohammed Morsi.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/art...t-star-2018-war-games-uae-saudi-participation

 

[Gomig-21]

Land, naval and air forces from Egypt, US, Greece, Jordan, Britain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Italy and France will take part in the drills.

I'll be very interested in seeing the level of the air force participation, this year. They usually don't break out the "new inventory" but, seeing that La France is participating this year, maybe we'll see them bring their Rafales and play with the Egyptian ones? Nice to see the UAE (and of course Saudiya) participating.

Several countries, including Lebanon, Rwanda, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DR Cong, Chad, South Africa, Senegal and Canada, were invited to monitor the exercises.

This is more than the usual. I'd like to see more Arab countries involved, particularly Tunisia. I'd also like to see Pakistan participate on a larger level than just monitoring. Bring their marines and JF-17s at some point. Joint Chiefs of Staff met about 8 months ago and agreed on more joint participation with each other. This would be a good opportunity.

They also aim at developing operations and training in counterterrorism and asymmetrical warfare, planning administrative support and medical evacuations.

It'll be interesting to see if there's more of the medical training. We all know that's one area they need a lot of work on, especially evacuation methods.

If it will be anything like last year, we should get some great pics out of it. Last year's was awesome but we didn't get to see much of the air part.