Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a statement on Friday emphasizing the significance of the multinational military exercises, “Bright Star 25,” hosted jointly by the United States and Egypt. According to CENTCOM, these exercises are a clear demonstration of the U.S. commitment to its long-standing partnership with the Egyptian Armed Forces, as well as with other nations to ensure mutual security and stability.
The statement, shared via X (formerly Twitter), noted that the official launch of the exercises took place on Thursday during an opening ceremony held at Egypt’s Mohammed Naguib Military Base. The 19th edition of Bright Star, which is running from August 28 to September 10, aims to “enhance collective defense capabilities, improve regional security, and strengthen strategic partnerships.”
This year, over 40 countries are participating, underscoring the growing international importance of the exercise. Around 1,500 U.S. military personnel have joined their Egyptian counterparts in a series of training operations that include conventional and unconventional warfare, command-and-control exercises, field training, and joint force planning.
In addition to combat-focused drills, the activities will include academic seminars, command and control operations, and high-level leadership forums aimed at enhancing strategic dialogue. CENTCOM Commander General Michael “Erik” Cooper highlighted that Bright Star 25 represents the deep trust and continuous cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt. He emphasized that the exercise reflects their shared commitment to regional stability.
“This year, more than 40 partner nations have joined us to develop and hone their combat skills through integrated scenarios and shared challenges,” General Cooper stated.
The exercise’s scale is a testament to the strength of the relationships built over decades. “The ability to assemble such a large number of qualified forces from different domains and regions underscores the power of the partnerships we’ve fostered and the trust our allies place in working closely with U.S. forces to address today’s complex security challenges,” Cooper added.
He stressed that Bright Star remains a cornerstone of U.S.-Egyptian defense relations, playing a vital role in promoting peace and security across the region. By continuing joint training, the exercise enhances the military’s capability to operate together, develops operational potential, and strengthens alignment on strategic goals.
Egyptian Military’s Appreciation of Bright Star
Meanwhile, the Egyptian military expressed its pride in the successful organization and execution of Bright Star 25. In a statement on Facebook, the Egyptian Armed Forces described the exercise as “one of the largest joint military drills in the world.” The statement also noted that Egyptian Chief of Staff, General Ahmed Khalifa, visited the site to oversee the final preparations.
Khalifa commended the team responsible for organizing the event, emphasizing the importance of making this edition of Bright Star exemplary at all levels. He also urged further efforts to maximize the use of all available resources to achieve the exercise’s objectives and ensure it reflects the high standards and professionalism of the Egyptian Armed Forces, which enjoy the trust and respect of their counterparts both regionally and internationally.
This year’s Bright Star exercises mark a significant moment in U.S.-Egypt defense cooperation, as both nations work to enhance their strategic partnership and address the evolving security dynamics in the Middle East and beyond. The multinational nature of the event and the high level of participation from both military and civilian sectors illustrate the deepening ties and shared commitment to regional stability, defense, and security.
