Why Egypt Is Preparing to Deploy Military Forces to Protect Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Attacks

Facing intensified strikes from Yemen’s Houthi forces and a widening regional conflict, Egypt is preparing to send military assistance to safeguard Saudi Arabia.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has officially requested parliamentary approval to authorize the deployment of the armed forces, with a vote scheduled for next week. A green light would mark a significant shift, directly drawing the Arab world's most populous nation into the conflict. Egypt's decision is heavily driven by its vulnerable domestic economy, high inflation, and deep reliance on financial support, remittances, and central bank deposits from Gulf partners.

Beyond economic dependencies, national security imperatives along the Red Sea are compelling Cairo to step off the sidelines. Recent drone strikes on Egyptian port facilities and risks to critical Suez Canal shipping revenues have fused economic stability with territorial defense. While Egypt possesses a formidable military with advanced air defense and naval capabilities, analysts expect Cairo to avoid a large-scale ground invasion in Yemen. Instead, Egyptian forces are likely to focus on strengthening air defenses, securing maritime routes, and bolstering regional naval patrols against aerial and missile threats.