The Bright Star 2023 multilateral military exercise, aimed at boosting regional defense cooperation, begins today in Egypt. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

The Bright Star 2023 multilateral military exercise begins today in Egypt.

Bright Star 2023 is a biennial joint military exercise in the Middle East aimed at boosting defensive cooperation amongst participating countries. The two-week exercise will be a showcase for 34 different countries, including the US and its allies, to exhibit their high-level military equipment such as tanks, armed vehicles, and fighter jets. This year’s drills will include simulated counter-terrorism operations.

The Bright Star exercise bears strategic importance to Cairo, as the joint exercise provides a special opportunity for the Egyptian Army to further incorporate Western combat tactics within its defensive framework during the short- to medium-term. It also allows Egypt to further enhance bilateral ties with the West in light of ongoing talks over the Biden administration’s provision of military aid to Egypt.

For the US and its allies, the Bright Star exercise lays out an opportunity to test their military equipment in difficult dessert terrain. In addition, the Bright Star is an important platform which also allows the US and allies to further secure its strong presence in the Middle East and thus can be expected to improve regional military relations in the near future.