CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi inaugurated the new strategic command headquarters in Cairo's New Administrative Capital on July 4, 2026. The complex covers 22,000 acres and includes eight buildings arranged in an Octagon shape. Cairo described the complex as the largest of its kind in the Middle East.

According to Al-Ain News, the facility features a highly advanced digital infrastructure dedicated to storing, processing, and protecting national data with cybersecurity standards. "The strategic command represented a significant leap in Egypt's command and control and operations management systems," el-Sissi said.

The Egypt state information service stated, "This massive facility transcends traditional military headquarters, serving as a miniature administrative and defense hub. It operates as an integrated center for crisis management and smart command." El-Sissi added the facility is equipped "with an advanced technological infrastructure, secure communication systems, and superior capabilities in information gathering and analysis. It links leadership and executive levels within a single framework that achieves the highest degrees of integration, accuracy, and speed of response." He concluded his inauguration speech by stating, "Long live Egypt… Long live Egypt… Long live Egypt."

The inauguration ceremony, streamed on YouTube, included a nighttime concert and a drone display. Egypt's air force conducted an air show during the ceremony, displaying military formations using F-16 Block 52, MiG-29, Rafale, and Mirage fighter jets. The aerial display also showcased E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, C-130 Hercules transport planes, and Kamov attack helicopters.

Gawdat Bahgat, a distinguished professor at the National Defense University in Washington, stated, "The inauguration suggests that it is a significant contribution to and a projection of Egypt's military capabilities." He also noted, "Construction by itself does not mean anything — much more important is how it will operate and the real value it would add to the nation's defense posture, which is yet to be determined." Bahgat added that Egypt possesses the largest military in the Arab world, and stated, "The facility can be seen as a sign that the Egyptian government assets its role and military capabilities in the changing strategic dynamics in the [region]."