CAIRO — Egypt and Turkey have concluded the joint military exercise “Golden Eagle”, a large-scale training programme involving Egyptian elite forces and Turkish special operations units aimed at strengthening military cooperation and improving combat readiness.
The exercise brought together units from the Egyptian Paratroopers and Thunderbolt (Sa’aka) Forces alongside Turkish special forces, who conducted several days of intensive training focused on counter-terrorism operations, special missions and advanced battlefield tactics.
The final stage of the exercise featured a simulated operation to raid a terrorist stronghold located inside an urban residential area. Using helicopters, participating forces carried out an assault mission, successfully freeing hostages and capturing simulated terrorist fighters as part of the training scenario.
The drills included a wide range of advanced military activities, such as live-fire exercises, urban combat operations, room-clearing techniques, vertical assault training, aircraft-based assault simulations, explosive threat response procedures, first aid and combat medical training.
Forces also trained in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), counter-drone operations, free-fall techniques using a vertical wind tunnel simulator, and operational parachute jumps designed to enhance rapid deployment capabilities.
One of the highlights of the exercise was the traditional “Friendship Jump,” where Egyptian and Turkish forces conducted a joint parachute demonstration while carrying the flags of both countries, symbolising military cooperation and partnership.
The closing phase of the exercise was attended by senior Egyptian and Turkish military officials, including high-ranking commanders and Turkey’s military attaché in Cairo.
The “Golden Eagle” exercise reflects growing defence cooperation between Egypt and Turkey, with both countries seeking to expand military coordination, exchange operational experience and enhance the capabilities of their armed forces in addressing regional security challenges.
