Fighters, warships and air defences: What Egypt could bring to Saudi's fight against Houthis

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.