Egypt is scheduled to host the Bright Star 2025 military exercises on August 28, a landmark event for the Middle East. The massive military drills will see participation from a total of 43 countries, making it one of the largest in the entire region.
U.S. military forces will join Egyptian forces for the exercises, held at Mohamed Naguib Military Base until September 10, 2025. The drills are designed to build on the strategic security relationship that exists between Egypt and the United States.
Thirteen countries are participating directly with more than 7,900 troops, while 30 others will join as observers. Bright Star, one of the world’s largest multinational exercises, includes extensive training for naval, ground, air, and special forces.
The exercises were originally launched in 1980 after a peace treaty was signed between the nations of Egypt and Israel. The 2021 edition included 21 nations after a one-year pause due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
This major event comes amid Israeli plans to reoccupy the entire Gaza Strip, which shares a border with northeastern Egypt. Israel’s military campaign has killed nearly 62,700 Palestinians in Gaza, devastating the enclave and causing widespread famine.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister for war crimes. Israel also faces a serious genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its extensive war on the enclave.