Cairo:Defense Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production Gen. Ashraf Salem Zaher inspected development and upgrade work at an air base on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. This effort is part of the Armed Forces General Command’s strategy to enhance combat readiness across its specialized branches.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the inspection was attended by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, commanders of the main branches, and several senior military commanders.

During the visit, Zaher was briefed on various development and modernization projects at the base. He reviewed a simulator used for the regular training of fighter pilots, visited several specialized departments to assess pre-flight preparations, and attended an exhibition of multirole fighter aircraft. Separately, the defense minister met with Air Force personnel to evaluate their readiness and combat preparedness.

Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Amr Abdel Rahman Saqr highlighted that Air Force personnel are dedicated to securing Egypt’s airspace in all strategic directions against potential threats, emphasizing their commitment despite the sacrifices required. Zaher conveyed President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s greetings and appreciation to the Air Force personnel, commending their dedication to their missions.

Zaher emphasized the Armed Forces General Command’s commitment to providing advanced training systems to enhance the preparation and qualification of pilots, engineering personnel, and technical crews, aiming for the highest levels of readiness to protect Egyptian airspace under any circumstances. He also noted the ongoing efforts to acquire the latest weapons systems across all specialties and formations to protect the country's borders and safeguard national assets.

The visit concluded with Zaher joining Air Force personnel for lunch.