Egyptian, Russian paratroopers conclude Protectors of Friendship 2 joint military drills

Egyptian and Russian paratroopers have concluded the “Protectors of Friendship 2” joint military drills, which started earlier this month in the Russian city of Novorossiysk and came within the framework of a joint military exercises plan between the armed forces of both countries.The exercise involved 600 troops from both sides, as well as 100 elements of medium and heavy military equipment. The paratroopers’ drills included the deployment of troops, equipment and vehicles, and the exchange of experiences between special forces.In October 2016, Protectors of Friendship 1 took place in the Egyptian Mediterranean city of Al-Alamein. The commander of the Egyptian forces in the drill, Major General Mehez Abdel Wahab, delivered a speech at the end of the drill in which he stressed the importance of the exercise in “maximising mutual experiences in light of the distinguished military relations between the armed forces of both countries.”