Mohamed Abdel-Mawgoud Takes the Helm of Egypt’s Air Defense Forces

On Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi designated Major-General Mohamed Hegazy Abdel-Mawgoud as the new Chief of the Air Defense Forces, as announced by Presidency Spokesperson Bassam Rady in a statement, as reported by Daily News Egypt.

The previous Chief of the Air Defense Forces, Ali Fahmy, has now been appointed as the president’s advisor on military matters, the statement noted.

Hegazy was born on November 11, 1963. He completed his education at the Air Defense College in July 1986. Throughout his career, Hegazy has been honored with numerous awards and has occupied several high-ranking military positions.

Per the Ministry of Defense, he has successfully completed all Air Defense qualification programs and holds a Master’s Degree in Military Sciences from the Command and Staff College. Additionally, he undertook advanced training at the Nasser Higher Military Academy. He has held all leadership roles up to Commander of the 8th Air Defense Division.

Hegazy’s accolades and honors include the Long Service and Good Exemplary Medal, the 25th January Revolution Medal, the First Class Military Duty Decoration, the Excellent Service Decoration, the 30th June Revolution Medal, and the Air Defense Forces Golden Jubilee Medal.

The Air Defense Forces consist of anti-aircraft artillery, missile units, radar systems, and alert mechanisms.

The Air Defense Forces played a crucial role in the 1973 conflict against Israel, safeguarding against Israeli aircraft breaches over the Suez Canal, which enabled the Egyptian military to dismantle the Bar Lev line and reclaim the Sinai Peninsula.