During Air Force training activities on Monday, a combat plane crashed into one of the training areas, resulting in the death of its pilot. Cause behind the crash has yet to be determined. On Monday the Egyptian Air Force carried out the repositioning of its aircraft of various models, and in various military bases, to provide air protection for all elements involved in the "Qader 2020" exercise. The exercise is meant to implement a number of reconnaissance missions, and to provide assistance to participating elements in coordination with the Air Defence Forces. A statement issued by the Egyptian Armed Forces, published on the page of the military spokesperson, stated that the Air Force also assisted the navy in securing economic interests in the Red Sea and conducting Mediterranean operations. The Air Force also transported its Thunderbolt forces and trained Parachute Forces paratroopers. During Qader 2020, soldiers provided air assistance by targeting terrorist outposts, in cooperation with tactical formations, while preparing for medical evacuation, search, and rescue operations. The military western region carried out a number of activities along land and coastal borders, in cooperation with the main branches of the Armed Forces and the Border Guard Forces. According to the statement, the levels of combat readiness for military formation and bases were raised, with the implementation of the strategic opening plan for the elements of the western region on all axes and directions, and the implementation of tactical projects with live ammunition with the participation of elements of the Air Force and Air Defence as well as securing marine and land coasts, in cooperation with the Navy and Border Guard forces. The statement said that paratroopers conducted a number of training activities, like raising the readiness and loading capacity of parachute battalion and implementing air justification for a parachute unit assigned to eliminate hostile elements. The activities also included securing landing areas and achieving correspondence with friendly forces, as well as shooting down free jump elements by the "Chinook" helicopter stationed at the surface of the Mistral helicopter carrier, and assigning them the task of secure landing. The Border Guard forces also cooperated with the Air Force in securing Egyptian borders and coasts. They also implemented a number of activities that included thwarting an illegal immigration attempt across the Mediterranean coast, cutting off infiltration and smuggling attempts across the western border line, and tightening security procedures on all land and coastal borders.
