Joint air and naval exercises, military co-production projects, and growing security, intelligence and diplomatic coordination between Egypt and Turkey are taking place amid mounting regional tensions and geopolitical shifts, particularly in the aftermath of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Developments in Egyptian-Turkish relations across multiple fronts have been significant and striking. They represent a strategic shift that could open the door to a reconfiguration of regional alliances and may signal the emergence of a defence partnership between the two countries—or even a wider regional alliance should other states join—capable of reshaping the balance of power in the region.

This growing rapprochement has reportedly raised concerns in both Israeli and American circles, amid reports that Washington has sought clarification regarding the nature of recent security and military contacts between senior officials in the defence ministries of the two countries.

This month saw two notable developments involving Cairo and Ankara. The first was military in nature, with joint air exercises taking place in Egyptian airspace between 4 and 17 June. Neither side disclosed details regarding the types or numbers of aircraft involved.

The second was diplomatic, namely the fourth meeting of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, held this week in the Egyptian city of Alamein. The talks focused on regional issues and efforts to formulate a four-party mechanism aimed at enhancing regional security.

According to a statement by the Egyptian military spokesperson, the exercises were conducted at several Egyptian air bases and involved a number of multi-role fighter aircraft. The drills included operational training flights designed to improve coordination and enhance readiness for the execution of joint air missions under a range of conditions. 

Last year, Egypt and Turkey resumed joint naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean under the “Sea of Friendship” drills, following a 13-year pause. The two countries also signed agreements to co-produce drones, develop unmanned ground vehicles, and manufacture long-range artillery ammunition. 

A landmark step in the development of military cooperation between the two countries came with Egypt’s inclusion in Turkey’s Kaan stealth fighter programme as both a development and manufacturing partner. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2030,........

© Middle East Monitor