The first phase of the Egyptian-Sudanese air force military drill, dubbed '”The Nile Eagles 1,” kicked off Friday in one of Khartoum’s air bases.
The drill, which is the first of its kind between the two neighboring countries, will continue till November 26. It will be carried out by both the Egyptian and Sudanese special and air forces.
Egypt’s Army Chief of Staff Lt. General Mohamed Farid and Sudanese Armed Forces Chief of Staff Colonel General Mohamed Othman Al-Hussein attended the main phase.
According to Egyptian Armed Forces Spokesman Tamer El-Refaie, the drill included combat tasks and training activities with the aim of assuring the readiness of the personnel including fighter pilots and special forces officers.
“The main phase also included preparing and taking off a number of multi-mission air fighters and helicopters to carry out training tasks in the air training areas, as well as reconnaissance, interception, air and ground assistance,” Refaie’s statement added.
Farid delivered a speech in which he conveyed the greetings and respect of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Supreme Commander of the Egyptian Armed Forces, and Defense Minister Lieutenant General Mohamed Zaki to Sudan’s political and military leaderships.
He hailed the high combat preparedness of the elements participating in the exercise, affirming that they are qualified to carry out all the tasks that may be entrusted to them under various circumstances.
Hussein, for his part, praised the visit and considered it a continuation of the distinguished relations between the Egyptian and Sudanese armed forces.
He also expressed hope that the future of both countries sees more cooperation and joint integration.
