To mark the 38th Air Defence Day, Amirah Ibrahim speaks with the man in charge of defending Egypt from aerial attack As modern warfare has grown ever more dependant on airborne forces and directed missiles so air defence systems have assumed increasing importance. "It is not only about possessing the most advanced weapons, it is more about building a system that is capable of carrying out vital tasks. This is what is meant by a strong air defence system," says Air Defence Commander in Chief Lieutenant General Abdel-Aziz Seif. "Egypt's air defence force is one of the most advanced in the Middle East and in the world, being well equipped and trained to meet strategic targets, stopping hostile air strikes by destroying enemy aircraft with mobile and fixed air defence equipment." To carry out these tasks, explains Seif, cooperation with other systems is necessary. "A comprehensive air defence system incorporates radar surveillance, missile batteries, as well as a joint control and command system between the air force and electronic war units." Egypt's air defence forces were established in 1968, following the disastrous 1967 war. They were charged with constructing a missile wall capable of stopping Israeli jet fighters from flying over the Western bank of the Suez Canal. Construction of the missile wall continued without the benefit of air shelter and amid heavy Israeli air bombardment. Using a Russian missile battery (SAM), the project was completed on 30 June 1970, and Israeli planes were ordered to stay 15 kilometres beyond the eastern bank in order to avoid Egyptian missiles. "The importance of preparation and having alternative plans in place, as well as closing ranks and ensuring coordination between every branch of the arm," were the main lessons learned at the time, says Seif. "Such is the rate of technological advance in weapons that we must constantly upgrade our air defence capabilities so that our troops can complete the missions with which they have been entrusted. So we are always modernising the system and acquiring advanced equipment in order to strike the necessary balances." Egypt's air defence forces, says Seif, now comprise a comprehensive system of reconnaissance units, missile batteries and artillery capable of dealing with attacks at different heights and in varying conditions. "Our strategy is balanced between modernising and developing the weapons and equipment we already possess, and working hard to improve our troops' performance through continued training in order to enhance standards of professionalism." Future plans include joint training exercises with Arab and friendly Western armies. "Joint exercises have proved to be of great benefit in consolidating and sharing experience on the tactical and technical use of weapons and equipment. They also help refine the planning and running military operations."
