The drills involved air, naval, air defence, and special forces units from Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France, and Saudi Arabia.

The Medusa-13 joint exercise – which commenced on 15 October – reflects the high level of training attained by the participating forces across various specialisations.

The main phase was also attended by the Commander of the Egyptian Naval Forces and high-ranking military officials from Egypt and the participating countries, in addition to the Egyptian ambassador to Greece.

The main phase began with a detailed presentation aboard the helicopter carrier (Anwar Sadat), which included an overview of the activities carried out in the preliminary phases of the training, according to a statement from the Egyptian military spokesman.

The event also featured several training activities, including executing an airstrike against several coastal hostile targets using multi-role aircraft, followed by a parachute drop to secure the beachhead.

The special naval forces of the participating countries also carried out several activities, such as opening breaches, securing the beachhead, and raiding a coastal target.

Such activities demonstrated the participating units’ ability to work together efficiently and effectively, the statement added.

The participating forces also inspected a suspicious ship and then carried out an amphibious operation to seize vital targets using amphibious landing craft aboard the Egyptian helicopter carrier.

Additionally, attack helicopters provided intense fire support to secure the approach path for the landing craft, while commando units executed a vertical assault that allowed them to control and eliminate hostile elements in record time, according to the statement.

On the sideline of the drills, Khalifa also visited Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and laid a wreath in honour of the war martyrs.

He then visited the headquarters of the Greek General Staff. A formal ceremony was held for him, featuring the national anthems of Egypt and Greece.

In addition, the Egyptian chief of staff held a meeting with his Greek counterpart Lieutenant General Dimitrios Choupis, where they discussed means to strengthen military relations, enhance partnership ties and exchange experiences in various military fields between both countries.

Khalifa also met with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, where they exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest and discussed the latest regional and international developments and their implications for the security and stability of the Middle East.

Both side also emphasised the importance of coordinating efforts and joint work between Egypt and Greece, the statement noted.