Gazette Staff CAIRO, July 6, 2018 - The Egyptian and French naval forces on Friday launched a new phase of a joint exercise to boost security in the Red Sea, the military said in a statement. The exercise comes within the Armed Forces' annual framework of joint drills. Military ties between Egypt and France have enhanced recently, the statement said. The exercise, which has been running for days, seeks to strengthen the abilities of both countries in combat and use modern naval tactics and systems, it added. The drill included manoeuvres in which the highly trained Egyptian and French officers used various models of speedboats, frigates and rocket launchers, as well as troop carriers. During the exercise, the officers and soldiers demonstrated their ability to protect Egyptian seas and skies during times of peace and war. A flotilla of speedboats joined the drill. Their young commanders exhibited their ability to protect the nation's coasts against infiltration, smuggling and terrorist operations whether by day or night. They also showed their ability to safeguard giant ships and tankers. The naval drill also incorporated a firing exercise with live ammunition during which new speedboats and helicopters destroyed moving and stationary targets.