Greece and Egypt conclude Medusa 15 military exercise on Crete as tourists watch

On September 19, 2026, the annual Medusa military exercise, led by Greece and Egypt, concluded on a beach near Chania, Crete, Greece. The exercise, which started on September 10, included drone attacks, fast-boat landings, and simulated fire. France, Italy, and Cyprus participated, with observers from Serbia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Mozambique. Greek military police kept tourists at a distance. The drills highlight expanding military cooperation in the Mediterranean, driven by regional conflicts and questions about U.S. involvement. Greece recently signed a defense deal with Israel, and Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia signed their own agreement.