Fighter jets, warships and air defences: What Egypt could bring to Saudi Arabia's fight against the Houthis
Egypt is evaluating military aid to Saudi Arabia as the conflict with the Houthis escalates in Yemen. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is seeking parliamentary approval for potential assistance, with deliberations scheduled for late October. The historical context of Egypt's past intervention in Yemen raises concerns about possible military commitments. There are significant economic ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that may influence this decision.
Egypt is weighing military support for Saudi Arabia against Yemen's Houthis, a move that could bring one of the Middle East's largest militaries into the escalating conflict, with implications for Red Sea security, the Suez Canal and the balance of power in the Arabian Peninsula. According to reports, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has sought parliamentary authorisation to provide military assistance to Riyadh if requested, and parliament has postponed its vote to October 26 amid questions about the mission's objectives, duration and cost. Sisi has described the role as defensive, and the proposal does not mean Egypt has decided to send ground troops into Yemen. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on October 13 that Egypt would respond to whatever Saudi Arabia asks of it, and that Cairo was seriously considering joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.Egypt's interest goes beyond its ties with Riyadh. The Red Sea links the Suez Canal to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Houthi attacks on commercial vessels since November 2023 pushed shipping companies to go around the Cape of Good Hope. According to Associated Press reporting, canal revenue fell from a record $10.25 billion in 2023 to $3.991 billion in 2024. Saudi Arabia is also an important economic partner for Egypt through investment, financial support and jobs for Egyptian workers in the Gulf.
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