U.S. and Egyptian Navies Launch First-Ever Eagle Defender Drill in Red Sea

In a pioneering move, U.S. and Egyptian naval forces have successfully integrated unmanned systems in a bilateral maritime exercise aimed at upholding international maritime rules and ensuring security in the Red Sea. The exercise featured complex scenarios such as explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasures, harbor defense, and the use of unmanned systems.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) participated alongside Egyptian Navy ships, reinforcing collaborative efforts. This exercise is part of numerous annual drills conducted by the U.S. military with Middle Eastern partner nations to enhance interoperability and build stronger partnerships.

The exercise aims to improve cooperation, ensure long-term regional security, and boost the Egyptian Naval Force’s ability to work seamlessly with U.S. naval units. These efforts are critical given the strategic importance of the U.S. 5th Fleet’s operational area, which covers approximately 2.5 million square miles of water, including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. This area also includes vital maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Bab al-Mandeb.

For further details, please reach out to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs at m-ba-cusnc-publicaffairs@us.navy.mil.