The main phase of the joint "Medusa-15" exercise took place in Greece, following several days of activities, and was attended by high-ranking officials from the participating countries. Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff Dimitrios Houpis, and Commander of the Cyprus National Guard Emmanuel Theodorou were among those present. The exercise involved personnel from Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France, and Italy.
The exercise involved a range of training activities, including multi-role aircraft conducting combat sorties against hostile targets in coordination with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs). Paratroopers also conducted parachute drops to secure the beachhead, as well as a flag-bearing free-fall jump, demonstrating the high level of professionalism and coordination among the participating forces. These activities were conducted aboard the Egyptian helicopter carrier "Gamal Abdel Nasser".
Training activities also included the boarding and inspection of a suspected vessel, while special forces conducted a raid on coastal targets. This was followed by an amphibious operation to seize vital objectives using landing craft carried aboard the Egyptian helicopter carrier and transporting special forces from the participating countries. Attack helicopters provided fire support to secure the approach corridor for the landing craft.
Special forces also conducted a vertical assault operation, demonstrating their ability to conduct joint operations efficiently and effectively. The activities concluded with sailing formations and a final air force display. The exercise featured personnel from the naval and air forces, air defense, border guards, reconnaissance units, and special forces, including Egypt's paratroopers and commandos.
Previous phases of the exercise featured a number of training activities, including non-standard live-fire exercises by participating naval vessels. Special forces also conducted non-standard firing exercises and trained to assault facilities. These activities aimed to enhance the capabilities and coordination of the participating forces.
Reconnaissance units carried out training activities involving the use of swarms of explosive drones to target the movement of hostile naval vessels. Border Guard personnel exchanged expertise in surveillance, monitoring, and dealing with illegal maritime activities. A cybersecurity training course was also conducted to train participants in confronting modern electronic challenges and threats.
The exercise was attended by the Egyptian and French ambassadors to Greece, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and coordination in military operations. The "Medusa-15" exercise aims to enhance the capabilities and readiness of the participating forces to respond to various challenges and threats in the region.
Key points
- The exercise involved personnel from Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France, and Italy.
- The main phase of the exercise was conducted in Greece, following several days of activities.
- The exercise featured a range of training activities, including combat sorties, parachute drops, and amphibious operations.
