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Egypt is gearing up for a more prominent role in the Yemen conflict, intensifying preparations for air operations against the Houthis following renewed threats to international maritime security. These threats, targeting vital Red Sea transport routes, pose both military and economic challenges for Egypt.
The Suez Canal, a critical trade artery, has suffered approximately $7 billion in revenue losses due to the escalating instability. Israeli intelligence sources report growing pressure on Egypt to curtail Houthi activities, which jeopardize regional security and global trade.
Military analyst Yehoshua Mery Lichter predicts heightened military engagement, with Egypt advancing its military readiness, including drills in the Libyan desert, to ensure its air power is prepared to counter both aerial and maritime threats.
While some suggest external influences, including Israel, may be shaping Egypt’s decisions, the country frames its actions as necessary to safeguard national interests and maritime security. Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Mahran, an expert in international law, asserts that Egypt’s response aligns with Article 51 of the UN Charter, affirming its right to self-defense against direct threats to its sovereignty and security.
The Houthis’ actions are seen as a direct challenge to Egypt’s strategic waterways, including the Suez Canal. Despite external pressures, Cairo’s decisions are firmly rooted in its strategic priorities. Regional instability, including ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, further complicates Egypt’s position.
To protect its maritime interests and regional stability, Egypt is likely to rely heavily on its advanced Rafale and F-16 fighter jets. The Rafale’s cutting-edge technology, including SCALP-EG missiles and advanced electronic warfare systems, makes it ideal for precision operations. Paired with the versatile F-16, this combination ensures both strategic flexibility and air superiority.
While Egypt’s arsenal includes other fighter jets like the MiG-29M/M2 and the F-4 Phantom II, these platforms lack the advanced capabilities required for high-stakes operations, relegating them to secondary roles.
The Yemen conflict, centered around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, remains a critical flashpoint for global trade and Middle Eastern geopolitics. With its roots in Yemen’s political upheaval and the rise of the Houthis, the war has drawn in regional and global powers, intensifying its complexity.
Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, Iranian support for the Houthis, and the involvement of extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS have turned Yemen into a hotspot of instability. Despite repeated UN-led negotiations, the conflict persists, contributing to a dire humanitarian crisis with millions displaced and in need of aid.
As Egypt positions itself for potential intervention, its actions will significantly shape the region’s future security and economic landscape.
More details https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/01/03/egypt-prepares-rafales-and-f-16s-to-strike-houthis-in-yemen/
