Egyptian and US naval forces have finalised a joint drill dubbed “Eagle Salute 2017” in the Red Sea, the Egyptian Armed Forces announced on Thursday. The drill, which started four days ago, included planning and organising joint daytime and night-time combat operations in coordination with air forces. The combat scenarios involved the securing of maritime areas against various threats. Eagle Salute 2017 also included search-and-rescue training, as well as practicing the inspection and boarding of target vessels, with the participation of naval and special forces units from both militaries. The drill is considered one of the most important drills the Egyptian Navy has recently conducted with a foreign country, according to the Egyptian Armed Forces. “The drill reflects the depth of Egyptian-American military cooperation,” the statement said. The Egyptian and US navies have been holding a series of joint drill since 1991 in the Red Sea.
