Sept 16, 2023
Release Number 20230916-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – On Sept. 14, U.S. Central Command and the Egyptian Armed Forces, along with troops from 32 other nations, concluded Exercise BRIGHT STAR 2023, at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Egypt. Approximately 8,400 troops with over 140 aircraft, 17 naval vessels, and 250 vehicles from across the globe gathered at five training locations in Egypt to participate in the largest and oldest middle eastern exercise. Established initially to build the strategic security relationship between Egypt and the United States, it has expanded to the current scope and plays a leading role in regional security.
BRIGHT STAR 2023 focused on promoting coalition interoperability throughout the full range of military operations through multinational and multi-domain training exercises such as:
· Combined Arms Maneuver Live Fire Exercise
· Maritime Security
· Integrated Air and Missile Defense
· Amphibious Assault Operations
· Airborne Assault Operations
· Counterterrorism
· Joint Tactical Air Control
· Cyber Security Operations
· Planning/Executing Joint Military Operations on Tactical and Operational Levels
· Common Air Operations
· Integrated Maneuver Units
· Border Control
“Since 1980, BRIGHT STAR has been an example of our enduring commitment to regional security and increasing interoperability with our partners,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “The quality and variety of training opportunities in a multinational venue with 34 nations demonstrates the value of BRIGHT STAR. Bringing this many nations, people, equipment, and experiences is also a testament to Egypt’s leadership in the region. The culmination Combined Army Live Fire Exercise is an example of interoperability with troops and equipment, including 70 armored vehicles, fixed and rotary wing attack aviation, artillery, engineers and air defense from multiple militaries integrated into one formation. Given the increasing complexity of the threats in the region, it is more important now than ever that we are fully integrated with our partners and allies.”