"The October War was a lasting national epic, with its heroes being the people and the army," Abdel-Hafez said on the 51st anniversary of the glorious October victories.

He added that the general command of the Armed Forces has developed a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the nation's resources and achievements, enhancing its capabilities, armament systems, and training in line with the latest global military advancements.

Furthermore, several ground, naval, and air bases were established alongside the army’s involvement in national development projects, reflecting its sense of national and societal responsibility.

These efforts have contributed to the state’s comprehensive development improving citizens' social and living conditions across various sectors.

Al-Ahram: As we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the glorious October victories, there are many lessons learned from this war, especially for the current generations. What are the most significant of these lessons? How have the generations of the Armed Forces benefited from this war in terms of thought, planning, and operations?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: First, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the general command of the Armed Forces to the Egyptian people and the army men — officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers — on this historic occasion. The 51st anniversary of the October victories was not just a military victory, but a popular and national triumph par excellence.

Here, we emphasize that we are fully aware of the lessons learned from all wars and battles and work diligently to benefit from them.

We affirm that there is no way to preserve this nation except through constant readiness to safeguard the gains of its people. This understanding has led the Armed Forces to enhance their capabilities, armament systems, and training to align with the latest military standards in the world.

Al-Ahram: Egypt is facing numerous challenges today. What are the most important current threats to national security? How do the Armed Forces confront these threats?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: National security is constantly evolving. Egypt faces various internal and external challenges, and the Armed Forces realize their importance.

We have adopted a comprehensive strategy to confront all threats. Internally, we have effectively dealt with terrorism. Our battle was not only military but also developmental, as we provided the necessary environment for stability and security, enabling the state to move forward in development.

This comprehensive approach has ensured our victory over terrorism.

Externally, we are committed to defending Egyptian borders in all strategic directions. Our Armed Forces maintain high readiness and training, equipped with the latest technology, which enables them to carry out any mission entrusted to them.

Egypt's deterrence capability is not only dependent on military power but also on a vision that aligns with the overall national policy. The military supports state efforts in diplomacy and development, always to protect the interests of Egypt and its people.

The army plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Egypt’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Egypt remains a strong and effective player in maintaining regional security.

The Egyptian Armed Forces are ready to intervene in any situation threatening its national or regional stability, in coordination with friendly and allied nations through joint training and military exercises that enhance preparedness for contingencies.

Al-Ahram: Since Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi took responsibility for the Ministry of Defence, he adopted a new strategy to rebuild the Armed Forces to face potential threats and risks. What are the key features of this strategy?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: Since 2013, the Armed Forces have experienced an unprecedented leap in armament with diverse sources of weaponry. The focus has been building and enhancing combat capabilities and technical efficiency through a comprehensive strategy to modernize all major branches.

For the navy, the development included establishing the Northern and Southern Fleets to secure the maritime operations theatre in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. This also involved adding the latest naval units to strengthen offensive and defensive capabilities.

Furthermore, the Air Force acquired the latest generation of multi-role aircraft, including Rafale jets and others, capable of reaching planned targets over long distances under various conditions.

New capabilities have also been added to the Armed Forces by establishing numerous land, naval, and military air bases to address growing challenges on all strategic fronts.

This ongoing development ensures that the Armed Forces possesses deterrence power and is ready to execute any current or future missions to protect Egypt's national security in light of the regional and international challenges posed by evolving events and shifts.

Al-Ahram: Egypt has focused on establishing military bases in the past decade. What is the role and objective of these bases?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: Establishing these bases is a key part of the development strategy. Several military bases have been completed, adding new capabilities to the Armed Forces to address growing challenges in all directions and to secure maritime space along approximately 2,936 kilometres of coastline on the Mediterranean and Red seas.

These bases have been equipped with the latest weapons and equipment, making them fully integrated military bases that combine high-level training and combat readiness.

Among the most prominent are Mohamed Naguib Military Base (July 2017), which protects the northern borders and secures national projects, and Bardawil Military Base (July 2017), which safeguards Egypt’s western strategic direction and secures borders and new national development projects.

In addition, Berenice Military Base (January 2020) protects and secures the Red Sea coast and the southern strategic direction against any threats.

The 3rd of July Naval Base (July 2021) ensures maritime security, prevents illegal migration, and secures Egypt's economic assets in the Mediterranean, one of the most strategically significant regions in the world.

Al-Ahram: How does the general command of the Armed Forces ensure the continuous improvement of its combat efficiency and readiness to carry out tasks?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: The general command of the Armed Forces continuously develops and modernizes all the Armed Forces elements to enhance their combat efficiency.

This is achieved through several key measures, including development and training, modernizing armament systems, strategic planning, and infrastructure and logistics.

We have established new military bases, airfields, and naval ports. This comprehensive infrastructure development provides the necessary logistical support for our forces to carry out their missions under any circumstances.

Al-Ahram: Egypt provides humanitarian aid to all nations facing crises, with the Armed Forces playing a crucial role, as seen in Gaza. Could you shed light on this point?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: Egypt consistently strives to support its brothers and neighbours, rooted in its steadfast principles of solidarity during hardships and crises.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Armed Forces provided humanitarian support to 20 neighbouring and friendly nations, in alignment with Egypt’s long-standing principles.

For example, upon President El-Sisi's directives, the military executed 29 air drops of aid into Gaza to ensure assistance reached the most affected areas, which were difficult to access via land.

Additionally, the Armed Forces have secured the entry of humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing since the onset of the war, facilitating the passage of aid trucks.

Moreover, the Arish Airport has received international aid coordinated with relevant state authorities.

Al-Ahram: Joint military exercises are considered among the highest forms of training. The Egyptian Armed Forces are among the world’s elite, particularly in counterterrorism. What are the most notable exercises and the participating countries?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: The Egyptian Armed Forces prioritize joint exercises to achieve the highest levels of combat efficiency and readiness, while also fostering an exchange of expertise, unifying operational concepts, and familiarizing themselves with the combat doctrines of participating forces.

These exercises strengthen cooperation efforts to address emerging threats and challenges, reaffirming Egypt’s pivotal role in ensuring security and stability in the Middle East and the world.

Between 2019 and 2024, Egypt conducted 121 joint or passing exercises within and outside the country, exemplifying the highest level of military cooperation.

Among the most significant exercises were the Egyptian-American Exercise (Bright Star), Egyptian-French Exercise (Amun 24), Egyptian-Indian Exercise (Eisaar 2), and Egyptian-Pakistani Exercise (Raad 1).

Al-Ahram: Could you offer a message of reassurance to the Egyptian people, considering the unrest surrounding the region?

Colonel Abdel-Hafez: I would like to reassure the Egyptian people of the military’s constant readiness to protect Egypt’s national security on all strategic fronts.

The Armed Forces men stand prepared to defend the nation’s resources. I extend my deepest respect and appreciation to the great people of Egypt on the 51st anniversary of the glorious October victories.