The Egyptian Navy has been deemed the largest in the Arab world and
considerably bigger than that of neighboring Israel. The Egyptian Navy has
10 missile frigates while Israel does not contain any such vessels.
In an Oct. 19 interview with the state-owned Al Ahram daily, Mamish said
the navy has been undergoing a major modernization program. He said the
navy, with 18,500 personnel, has been enhanced in cooperation with such
suppliers as Germany, Russia and the United States.
"The Egyptian Navy is always on alert to guard our shores and economic
interests and vital facilities," Mamish said.
Officials said a major Egyptian Navy project was the procurement of
three fast attack craft from the United States. They said the FACs would
significantly enhance maritime and other naval operations in the
Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
In the interview, Mamish said Egypt has acquired advanced missiles and
torpedoes. He said the unidentified missiles, which have undergone trials,
were supplied to naval submarines.
