Defense News – Egypt took command of the multinational Combined Task Force 153 on Dec. 12 during a ceremony in Bahrain. The task force, which was established in April 2022, focuses on maritime security in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden. Egypt’s laudable new leadership of CTF 153 and the task force’s growing momentum will help secure vital waterways, while building partner capacity and enhancing cooperation among regional and international forces.

Breaking Defense – The opening of the base signifies Egypt’s determination to assert itself as a regional naval power with vast capacities and challenge efforts by its competitors like Turkey to expand their area of influence and control oil and gas rich zones of the Mediterranean. 

Israel Defense – During a ceremony at a shipyard in Germany, the fourth 209/1400 submarine was handed over to the Egyptian Navy. The handover of the submarine, which set off in the direction of Egypt, marked the end of an Egyptian project to upgrade its underwater warfare capabilities that started about a decade ago.  

(Thanks to Alain)

Naval News – Egypt inaugurated its newest naval base close to the Libyan border on July 3. The new naval base, “3rd of July Base”, is located in Gargoub on Egypt’s northwest coast, around 255 kilometers (160 miles) west of the Alexandria port.

VOA – L’Egypte inaugure une base navale stratégique en Méditerranée

(Thanks to Alain)

BMPD – On December 23, 2020, at the shipyard of the Italian shipbuilding association Fincantieri in Mudgiano in La Spezia, the ceremony of handing over to the Egyptian naval forces the first of the two FREMM-class frigates purchased in Italy.

(Thanks to Alain)

– Defence Web – Italy is considering the sale of two FREMM frigates to Egypt.

(Thanks to Alain)

– Jerusalem Post – The S43 submarine is the third out of four new submarines ThyssenKrupp sold to Egypt, after getting Netanyahu’s approval.

(Thanks to Alain)

– War Zone – The Egyptian Navy is only one of two remaining operators of the type anywhere in the world and its examples have a unique and convoluted history.

– BBC – Egypt has agreed to buy two Mistral warships originally built for Russia, the French presidency has announced.

– War is Boring – Egypt’s military junta is going on a shopping spree for weapons. Remember those French amphibious assault ships originally intended for Russia that are now sitting out to dry? Cairo’s generals have their eyes on them, too.

– BBC – Islamic State-affiliated militants in Sinai say they have carried out a missile attack on an Egyptian naval vessel in the Mediterranean Sea.

– USNI News – Eight Egyptian sailors are missing after a Wednesday clash with four vessels that could have been supplying arms to Islamist terror groups in the Sinai Peninsula.

– BBC – Egyptian officials say they have foiled an attack on a container ship which was aimed at disrupting shipping in the busy Suez Canal.