Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Air Defense Forces to Maintain Peak Combat Readiness

Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)
Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)
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Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Air Defense Forces to Maintain Peak Combat Readiness

Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)
Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)

Egyptian Defense Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Abdel Majeed Saqr called on the country’s air defense forces to maintain rigorous training and the highest levels of combat efficiency and operational readiness. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the technical performance of weapons and equipment to ensure maximum effectiveness.

During an iftar gathering with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday, Saqr emphasized the need for full preparedness to protect Egypt’s airspace against all threats. The event was attended by Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa, senior military commanders, and key officials from the armed forces.

According to military spokesman Gharib Abdel Hafez, the defense minister conveyed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s appreciation for the unwavering efforts of Egypt’s air defense personnel in safeguarding national airspace around the clock.

He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to continuously supporting the air defense units by equipping them with the latest combat systems to ensure optimal mission execution.

Saqr also reviewed regional developments and their implications for Egypt’s national security, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining a well-prepared and technologically advanced military.

On Saturday, the defense minister shared an iftar meal with troops from the Central Military Zone, Border Guards, Paratroopers, and Special Forces. He highlighted the army’s recent advancements in training and armament across all branches, formations, and units.

“Our Armed Forces, equipped with a modernized defense system, are fully capable of securing the country’s strategic borders,” Saqr stated. He described national defense as a “sacred duty” requiring continuous readiness to confront emerging challenges.

He also urged the troops to prioritize ongoing training, maintain high morale, and enhance both their physical and tactical skills, ensuring that the military remains vigilant and prepared to execute any mission under any circumstances.



Israeli Army Says Intercepts Missile Fired from Yemen

Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on Al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. EPA/OSAMAH YAHYA
Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on Al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. EPA/OSAMAH YAHYA
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Israeli Army Says Intercepts Missile Fired from Yemen

Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on Al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. EPA/OSAMAH YAHYA
Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on Al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. EPA/OSAMAH YAHYA

The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen on Sunday after it activated air raid sirens across multiple areas of the country.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (air force) prior to crossing into Israeli territory," the military said in a statement.

The Iran-backed Houthis have regularly fired missiles at Israel since the war in Gaza broke out on October 7, 2023, following an attack on Israel by Hamas militants.

The Houthis, who have also targeted shipping vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since the Gaza war began, say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The militias had paused their campaign during the weeks-long truce in Gaza, which ended on March 18 when Israel resumed its bombardment of the Palestinian territory.