Saudi Arabia and Egypt have boosted their military cooperation, particularly in the field of maritime security, during a meeting in Alexandria, Egypt.
Meanwhile, both countries’ Armed Forces are taking part in the Bright Star 2025 Exercise in Egypt, alongside several brotherly and friendly countries to enhance military cooperation.
Maritime Cooperation Protocol
During an official visit to the Egyptian Naval Command in Alexandria, the Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghraibi, and his accompanying delegation met on Monday with the Commander of the Egyptian Navy, Vice Admiral Mahmoud Adel Fawzi.
According to a statement by the Egyptian Military Spokesperson, both military officials discussed avenues for bolstering military cooperation between the Egyptian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, including ways to transfer and exchange expertise.
Moreover, the two sides signed a cooperation protocol to support maritime security efforts in the region, the statement added.
Fostering Military Ties
As part of the visit, the Saudi Naval Chief and Egyptian Navy Commander toured the Alexandria Shipyard company, where they inspected several naval units to review the latest armament systems recently introduced to the Egyptian Navy.
Furthermore, they visited the Egyptian Naval Academy, receiving a brief on the training and educational programs designed in line with the latest academic standards to prepare cadets.
The visit underscores the Egyptian Armed Forces’ commitment to strengthening military cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, reinforcing joint efforts, and safeguarding regional security, the statement noted.
Bright Star Exercise
Egypt is currently hosting the Bright Star 2025 Exercise at Mohamed Naguib Military Base and several naval and air bases, from August 28 to September 10, 2025. The multinational exercise, co-hosted by the US CENTCOM, aims to strengthen collective defense capabilities, improve regional security, and reinforce strategic partnerships.
The Bright Star 2025 exercise features 44 countries, including 14 countries participating with more than 8,000 troops and 30 countries participating as observers. It also involves units from the Egyptian civil police, as well as representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and NATO.
Additionally, the exercise includes training events covering a wide range of operations, such as conventional and irregular warfare, command post exercises, field training, and combined joint task force planning. It features other activities, including academic seminars, command and control operations, and a senior leader symposium to foster strategic-level dialogue.
Saudi Participation
The Saudi Armed Forces is taking part in the Bright Star 2025 Exercise in Egypt to enhance expertise exchange, promote joint operational concepts, and boost the readiness and operational coordination of the participating forces, according the Head of the Saudi Armed Forces Training and Development Authority, Major General Adel bin Mohammed Al-Balawi.
He added that the command post exercise aims to enhance the skills of commanders and staff in various areas, including in planning, executing, and leading joint operations. It also aims to increase the participating forces’ efficiency in unit coordination procedures, as well as testing command, control, and communication systems at multiple levels.
