Khaberni - Israeli reports indicated that Egypt has enhanced its defense systems in Sinai to unprecedented levels and sent other systems to the Gulf countries without compromising its strategic capabilities.
The Israeli news platform "NATsiv Net" reported that Egypt has deployed defense systems in the Gulf from the operational stock of its air defense arm, but the systems were not moved from Sinai.
The Hebrew platform added that Egypt has actually reinforced and strengthened its own air defense system in Sinai to record levels while concurrently assisting the Gulf.
It noted that the details about the current defensive deployment in Sinai compared to the deployment to Gulf countries up to April 2026 show that the situation in Sinai is being enhanced, not reduced. While "Amun" (Sky Guard) systems were sent to the Gulf countries, Egypt deployed its most advanced and strategic systems in Sinai.
The Hebrew platform added that the Chinese HQ-9B long-range systems (up to 300 km) were placed in the regions of Al-Arish and Rafah, and these systems equate in capability to the Russian S-400 systems, creating a "defensive bubble" that covers all the skies of Gaza and southern Israel up to the Gush Dan area.
It pointed out that an operational peak was recorded up to April 2026 with the deployment of about 40,000 soldiers in Sinai alongside advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, in the broadest deployment since the peace agreement in 1979.
NATsiv Net stated that the systems sent to Saudi Arabia and the UAE were taken from the operational reserves for defending Egypt’s depth (within the country and the Canal area) and not from the front lines in Sinai, adding that Egypt ensured it did not weaken its grip on Sinai, which it describes as the "backbone of national security," during this period of regional tension.
The platform noted that the decision to use the "Amun" systems stemmed from their particularly suitability for intercepting drones and cruise missiles—the central threat in the Gulf—while Egypt prefers to retain long-range systems in Sinai for strategic deterrence.
It said that Egypt is now working on two parallel axes: In Sinai, it is building a massive and independent deterrent capability while exceeding the military restrictions of the Camp David Accords under the pretext of combating terrorism and protecting borders, and in the Gulf, it is establishing regional power as a "protector of Arab states," which grants it significant political and economic weight against Iran and Western countries.
It is noted that the Egyptian-Israeli peace agreement of 1979 imposed restrictions on the Egyptian military deployment in the Sinai Peninsula, but recent security developments and terrorism in the area have led Cairo to reassess its defense arrangements, as the region experiences escalating tensions due to the Iranian nuclear issue and regional conflicts.
The "Amun" (Sky Guard Amun) system is a medium and short-range Egyptian air defense system that combines artillery and missiles, and is an Egyptian-enhanced version of the Italian Sky Guard system.
The system consists of two Oerlikon 35mm anti-aircraft guns and two missile launchers (each launcher contains 4 AIM-7 Sparrow missiles), and a command and control center to manage operations and control the system.
The system is capable of dealing with 3 aerial targets simultaneously using missiles and artillery, designed specifically to protect high-value assets such as airports, cities, and military facilities.
The Egyptian defense system, known for its high effectiveness in intercepting drones (drones) and cruise missiles.
According to reports, the Egyptian defense system "Amun" is produced by the Egyptian Arab Organization for Industrialization affiliated with the Egyptian army, and represents the first medium-range air defense system of Egyptian production, which was developed with a license and technical support from the Italian manufacturer.
Egypt has offered the system to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to confront air attacks.
Egypt owns 72 units of the system distributed over 18 battalions, where "Amun" is considered a strong addition to the Egyptian air defense, and is characterized by its special suitability for dealing with modern threats such as unmanned aircraft and long-range missiles, making it an essential element in the multi-layered air defense system owned by Egypt.
