Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt has concluded a major military exercise in the turbulent Sinai Peninsula.

The Egyptian military has staged Bader-2014 in the Sinai in early May. Bader contained several stages as well as mock air-infantry operations near
the Suez Canal.

Officials said the nearly year-long U.S. suspension of major combat platforms has not significantly hurt Egypt’s military.

They said Bader demonstrated Egypt’s ability to conduct a large-scale exercise despite the Islamic revolt in Sinai and the African mainland.

“This was an outstanding performance in which decisions and tasks were
accurately and efficiently executed,” Egyptian Defense Minister Sidqi Sobhi
said.

Bader, which lasted nearly a week, was led by the 3rd Army, responsible for the Suez Canal and the western portion of the Sinai. The exercise included the operation of the Air Force’s F-16 multi-role fighters and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters in ground attacks.

The military also operated its U.S.- and Russian-origin air defense
systems in Sinai. Bader also included artillery and special
forces, directed by a command and control headquarters.

“There is a strong need to maintain combat readiness and keep up with
the latest weapons and training,” Sobhi told commanders during a visit to
exercise headquarters on May 9.

  3rd Army, AH-64, Egypt plays down suspension of U.S. aid, F-16 multi-role fighters, holds major exercise near Suez Canal, plays down suspension of U.S. aid, Sidqi Sobhi