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Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, center, inspects the BRIGHT STAR 2025 preparations, at the Command Post Exercise, at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Alexandria, Egypt, Aug 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

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Bright Star 25: U.S. and Egypt Launch One of the World’s Largest Multinational Military Exercises

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, center, inspects the BRIGHT STAR 2025 preparations, at the Command Post Exercise, at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Alexandria, Egypt, Aug 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, right, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, arrives to oversee BRIGHT STAR 2025 preparations, greeted by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Patrick Clare, Bright Star 25 exercise director, and Col. Jason Wimberly, embassy Defense Attaché, and Egyptian officers at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

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Bright Star 25: U.S. and Egypt Launch One of the World’s Largest Multinational Military Exercises

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, right, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, arrives to oversee BRIGHT STAR 2025 preparations, greeted by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Patrick Clare, Bright Star 25 exercise director, and Col. Jason Wimberly, embassy Defense Attaché, and Egyptian officers at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, left, speaks with military personnel from friendly and partner nations participating in the BRIGHT STAR 25 Exercise at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

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Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, left, speaks with military personnel from friendly and partner nations participating in the BRIGHT STAR 25 Exercise at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, left, speaks with military personnel from friendly and partner nations participating in the BRIGHT STAR 25 Exercise at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

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Bright Star 25: U.S. and Egypt Launch One of the World’s Largest Multinational Military Exercises

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, left, speaks with military personnel from friendly and partner nations participating in the BRIGHT STAR 25 Exercise at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, exchanges conversation with military personnel from U.S. military personnel participating in the BRIGHT STAR 25 Exercise at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

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Bright Star 25: U.S. and Egypt Launch One of the World’s Largest Multinational Military Exercises

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, exchanges conversation with military personnel from U.S. military personnel participating in the BRIGHT STAR 25 Exercise at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Aug. 26, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence, and cohesion among multinational service members. (Courtesy photo Department of Morale Affairs, Egyptian Armed Forces – Caption writer, U.S. Central Command Maged Benjamin-Elias)

EGYPT – Bright Star 25, the multinational military exercise co-hosted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Egyptian Armed Forces through the Egyptian Training Authority, officially commenced today with a ceremonial opening at Mohamed Naguib Military Base. The exercise brings together forces from across the globe, underscoring the United States’ enduring commitment to working alongside Egypt and partner nations to strengthen collective security and promote regional stability.

The day prior to the opening ceremony, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, inspected the final preparations on August 26. His visit highlighted the extensive planning and coordination between Egyptian and American forces in hosting what is widely regarded as one of the largest joint military exercises in the world.

“I am pleased to be at the training center and to meet participants from the Egyptian and American sides, as well as from the friendly nations taking part,” Lt. Gen. Khalifa said. “I would like to emphasize the importance of joint exercises, especially Bright Star, given the large number of participating countries and the exchange of expertise and knowledge they provide to all parties involved. Such joint training enhances our future operations. I have previously participated in Bright Star exercises, and they have had a significant and lasting impact—benefits I continue to draw on to this day.”

During his tour, Khalifa received a detailed briefing on the full range of procedures from both the Egyptian and American teams. He also observed several training activities and engaged with U.S. service members, reflecting the spirit of partnership and cooperation at the heart of the exercise.

Bright Star continues to serve as a cornerstone of the U.S.-Egypt defense partnership and plays a pivotal role in advancing peace and security across the Middle East. By training together, participating nations enhance interoperability, sharpen operational readiness, and align more closely on shared strategic objectives—building a stronger foundation for regional and global stability.