The official ceremony marking the acceptance by the Arab Republic of Egypt of its first three Rafales held at the Dassault Aviation flight test center in Istres, France, July, 2015 – Courtesy of Dassault Aviation
October 14 marks the Egyptian Air Force Day which is the anniversary of Mansoura Battle that took place in 1973 within the 6th of October War.
On that day in 1973, Egypt downed 18 Israeli fighter jets in 53 minutes after targeting an Air Base near the city.
The battle included 60 Egyptian fighter jets and 120 Israeli fighter jets and was the outcome of the fourth raid launched by Israel on Egyptian territories other than Sinai. The previous three were carried out against Mansoura, Tanta, and Salheya on October 7, October 9, and October 12 of 1973 without causing any damages to the Egyptian side. On the other hand, the first raid incurred the destruction of 22 Israeli fighter jets.
Spokesperson of the Armed Forces Tamer al-Refaey announced that Commander of the Air Force Mohamed Abas held a press conference on Monday to celebrate the 87th anniversary of Egypt’s Air Force. The commander affirmed the Air Force’s commitment to developing its capabilities to match the expected threats with the aim of defending Egypt against aggressors.
Although Egypt’s Air Force was founded in November 1932, the day celebrating the branch was changed to October 14 after Mansoura Battle so it would be commemorated as well.
Abas stated that the Air Force possesses new-generation fighter jets, airborne early warning, aerial reconnaissance, Apache fighters, drones, and land systems that perform maintenance, repair, and training.
The Air Force commander affirmed that air formations are highly qualified to undertake the required activities in light of the unprecedented missions carried out by the Armed Forces to uproot terrorism and secure borders.
Abas highlighted that the Air Force performs military drills in collaboration with neighboring countries and allies. The commander also underlined that the political leadership and the general command of the Armed Forces provide continuous support to the Air Force to develop and modernize its abilities, systems, and air combat mechanisms.
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