Egypt and Russia conclude joint naval exercise in Mediterranean

Egypt and Russia have concluded their joint naval exercise, Bridge of Friendship, held over several days in the Mediterranean, according to an Egyptian military statement cited by Al Ahram online. The drill took place in Egypt’s territorial waters and involved live-fire artillery exercises, air defence operations, search and rescue missions, and boarding procedures.

Special forces from both navies conducted joint operations demonstrating precision and combat readiness, while lectures covered topics including medical evacuation, countering non-traditional threats, and cybersecurity.

The exercise, part of a broader framework of bilateral drills, reflects deepening military cooperation between Cairo and Moscow amid regional instability and rising maritime security threats.

The operation also signals Egypt’s continued balancing of defence partnerships with Russia alongside its longstanding ties to Western security partners. The two countries have conducted multiple joint drills in recent years, as Egypt seeks to diversify military cooperation and reinforce its position as a regional naval power.