Egypt's Defense Minister and the General Chief for the Armed Forces, Mohamed Zaki, addressed a letter to the army forces during the primary stage of the tactical drill on the usage of live ammunition, implemented by a unit of the Second Field Army.

This stage includes the infiltration of the enemy's frontlines, with the support of the Air Force defenses, which would have completed reconnaissance, security, and assistance missions to aid attack missions. The Air Force and the Army's artillery would also be employed to destroy enemy reserves and command and control centers. 

The Armed Forces have been utilizing a collection of Russian attack and defense weapons, including the single-attack helicopter Kamov Ka-50, also known as the "Black Shark" for aerial cover for the ground forces, as well as several other Russian air defense crafts. 

Egyptian forces have also been using the air defense missile system, Igla-S, and the self-propelled, radar-guided anti-aircraft weapon system ZSU-23-4 Shilka.

Zaki noted that "the activities and training missions that have been completed offer the Egyptian people a message of assurance regarding their armed forces and their battle readiness."

The defense minister further added that the Egyptian Armed Forces are exerting their full efforts to maintain what they possess of combat systems and equipment, and are working to develop their performance to take full advantage of these possessions.

On national security and Palestine

Moreover, he stressed the role the Egyptian government plays in supporting the Palestinian cause across history, noting that "the current situation is being handled with utmost wisdom to back and preserve the cause, and support our Palestinian brothers, based on the two-state solution." According to Zaki, "preserving Sinai is only completed with comprehensive development."

On Tuesday, Egyptian television Al Qahera News, quoting an anonymous high-ranking official, reported that Egypt may employ all available alternatives to protect national security while also preserving the Palestinian people's historical rights.

Egypt's adherence to its duties and treaties does not restrict it from doing so, the official stated.

Furthermore, Egypt warned "Israel" of the repercussions of a further escalation in the Gaza Strip after Israeli soldiers took control of the Rafah border post and refused to engage in any coordination efforts, the broadcaster said.

This came after Egypt rejected an Israeli proposal for joint coordination to reopen the Rafah crossing between Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip, along with managing its future operation, Reuters reported, citing Egyptian security sources.