After two weeks of intense multinational training, Exercise Bright Star 2025 has officially drawn to a close in Egypt. Co-hosted by the Egyptian Armed Forces and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), this year’s edition was the largest to date, bringing together 44 participating nations. Fourteen of those countries deployed more than 8,000 troops, while 30 others attended as observers.
The exercise, which ran from 28 August to 10 September, took place at the Mohamed Naguib Military Base—Africa’s largest—as well as several naval and air bases across Egypt. Over the course of the drills, forces conducted command post operations, live-fire exercises, counterterrorism and maritime security training, and even staged a symbolic parachute jump near the Giza Pyramids.
Since its launch in 1980 as a bilateral U.S.-Egypt initiative, Bright Star has become a cornerstone of military cooperation in the region. The 2025 edition pushed boundaries further, introducing space cooperation discussions and joint special forces training with India, the United Kingdom, and several other nations. India stood out with more than 700 personnel deployed, while NATO and the International Committee of the Red Cross also participated, underlining the exercise’s global reach.
Reflecting on the conclusion of the drills, U.S. Brigadier General Patrick Clare praised Bright Star as a unique opportunity for exchanging expertise and embracing diverse military cultures. The Egyptian Armed Forces were commended for their role as hosts, showcasing both their military capabilities and their commitment to fostering global peace and security.
Bright Star 2025 not only strengthened operational readiness but also reinforced the bonds between nations, marking another milestone in the exercise’s 45-year history.
