AIR DEFENSE DAY
AIR DEFENSE DAY: To mark this week's 33rd Air Defense Day, Air Defense Commander in Chief Lt General Sami 'Anan announced the completion of mechanised command and control units meant to replace the older manual ones that have been in use for years. At a press conference on Monday, 'Anan said, "This will certainly provide for the best usage of air defense units and thus boost the decision-making process." 'Anan indicated that the upgrading process also included a radar network system.
According to 'Anan, "our strategy is balanced between modernising and developing the weapons and equipment we already possess, and working hard to improve our troops' performance and technical qualifications in order to maintain a standard of professionalism." 'Anan said his troops were highly trained and equipped, capable of dealing with the latest air attack tactics.
Egypt's air defense forces were established in 1968, following the disastrous 1967 War. Their major task involved constructing a missile wall capable of stopping Israeli jet fighters from freely flying over the western bank of the Suez Canal. Construction of the missile wall continued without the benefit of air shelter and amidst heavy Israeli air bombardment. Using a Russian missile battery (SAM), the project was completed by 30 June 1970, and Israeli planes were ordered to stay 15 kilometres off the eastern bank in order to avoid the Egyptian missile wall.
Asked how the war on Iraq had affected air defense planning, 'Anan indicated that the Egyptian army -- like every other army in the region -- learnt many lessons from the battles in Iraq. "The importance of preparation and having alternative plans in place, as well as closing ranks and ensuring coordination between every branch of the army," were the main lessons learned.
