Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt and Russia plan to conduct military exercises in 2015.

An Egyptian daily reported that Cairo and Moscow were discussing their first exercises in Egypt in 2015.

The Al Shurouq newspaper said the exercise plans were high on the agenda during a visit by a Russian military delegation earlier this month.

The Russian delegation held talks with Egyptian officials and military commanders from May 6-9. An Egyptian source said the two sides also discussed plans to procure Russian weapons and spare parts over the next year.

Egypt and Russia renewed defense and military cooperation in September 2013 in wake of the U.S. suspension of major combat platforms to Cairo. Since then, Egypt was said to have agreed to order up to $3 billion worth of fighter-jets, air defense systems and satellites from Moscow. In April, Russia launched Egypt’s first reconnaissance satellite.

On May 10, the Egyptian Army conducted a major exercise in the Sinai
Peninsula and attended by Defense Minister Sidqi Subhi. The exercise,
Bader-2014, was led by the 3rd Army and included fighter-jets, main battle
tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery batteries.

  3rd Army, Russia in talks with Egypt on 2015 military exercises, Sidqi Subhi, SInai Peninsual