Egypt inaugurates ‘The Octagon’, West Asia’s largest military command complex
Cairo, July 6. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on July 5 inaugurated the country’s new Strategic Command Headquarters, a sprawling military complex known as ‘The Octagon’, describing it as a major step forward in strengthening Egypt’s command, control and operational capabilities.
Located in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, about 45 km east of Cairo, the headquarters has been named after its distinctive design comprising eight interconnected octagonal buildings. According to Egyptian authorities, it is the largest military command complex of its kind in the Middle East and is expected to serve as the country’s principal defence and administrative hub.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in his capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sisi said the facility represents “a significant leap” in Egypt’s command, control and operations management systems, reflecting the country’s efforts to modernise its military infrastructure.
Defence Minister Ashraf Salem Zaher said the headquarters would become the core of Egypt’s national command system by relocating the Armed Forces General Command to a modern integrated facility, enabling unified command through advanced operational capabilities and continuous technological development.
According to the Egyptian State Information Service, The Octagon has been designed as an integrated command centre incorporating advanced command, control, communications and artificial intelligence systems to support military planning, crisis management and strategic decision-making.
Media reports have estimated that the complex spans nearly 22,000 acres, although the government has not disclosed the cost of the project.
The government described the headquarters as an integrated centre for crisis management and smart command, calling it a symbol of Egypt’s “New Republic” and its ongoing military modernisation programme.
Sisi calls for lasting peace in West Asia
Addressing regional developments during the ceremony, Sisi expressed appreciation to US President Donald Trump for his role in securing the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement, which ended the war in Gaza, as well as for subsequent efforts that led to an agreement ending the conflict involving Iran.
He stressed the importance of fully implementing both agreements and cautioned against any attempts to undermine or circumvent them.
The Egyptian President reiterated that lasting stability in West Asia would only be possible through a comprehensive and just peace settlement centred on resolving the Palestinian issue.
Recalling that Egypt was the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel despite deep regional hostility at the time, Sisi said the ultimate solution to recurring conflicts lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“There can be no lasting peace, no genuine stability, and no broad-based normalisation without a just settlement that ends the occupation, halts injustice and aggression, and restores the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” he said.
Egypt has played a prominent diplomatic role in recent regional peace efforts, including mediation aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and facilitating broader negotiations involving regional stakeholders.
The inauguration of The Octagon comes as Egypt continues to invest heavily in military modernisation while positioning itself as a key regional actor in efforts to promote stability and conflict resolution across the Middle East.
