Egyptian military expert Brigadier General Tariq Al-Akkari revealed the reasons that prompted Egypt to establish the new strategic command headquarters, "The Octagon," stressing that it represents a qualitative leap in the command and control system.
Al-Akkari explained that the former headquarters of the Ministry of Defense was located within a residential block, which made it more vulnerable to traffic congestion or any emergency circumstances, while the “Octagon” was built in a relatively isolated area and fully secured by specialized military units and cyber protection systems, as well as being equipped with advanced means to counter jamming and eavesdropping.
In statements to a local channel, the Egyptian military expert pointed out that the most prominent feature of the new headquarters is the complete integration between the command and control systems, explaining that information now reaches the decision-maker instantaneously, after it used to take several seconds in previous systems.
He said that the evolution of the nature of modern warfare, which relies on cyberattacks, electronic intrusions, and impacting the infrastructure of countries, has forced Egypt to develop its strategic command system since 2018, in line with the new threats.
He added that the "Octagon" has been fortified against various means of intrusion, whether through communication networks, cameras or cyberattacks, stressing that the current security system far surpasses what was available previously.
Al-Akkari explained that the project is not limited to managing military operations, but for the first time combines the management of civil and military crises within one complex, where the systems of facilities, communications, emergency and strategic goods are integrated with the military operations rooms, which allows for faster and more accurate coordination in crisis management.
He stressed that the “Octagon” is not only the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense, but also a command center for the Egyptian state, in which information agencies and decision-making bodies are integrated, ensuring that information is available to all decision-makers at the same time.
He also pointed out that the new system gives the state greater flexibility in managing its operations within strategic areas of influence, benefiting from advanced control and communication centers that are secure against jamming and cyberattacks, thus enhancing the ability to manage crises and operations inside and outside the borders.
Speaking about the design of the headquarters, Al-Akkari explained that the octagonal shape of the “Octagon” carries symbolic and military connotations, but he stressed that the most important aspect is the operational structure and the facilities located inside and underground within the complex.
He said: "What everyone sees is the part that the armed forces allowed to be shown, but what is hidden inside closed rooms and underground is much bigger," considering that the Egyptian model of the octagon represents a unique design that does not match any of the internationally known military command centers.
The “Octagon” is the new strategic command headquarters of the Egyptian Armed Forces, and one of the most prominent military projects established within the new administrative capital, as part of a plan aimed at modernizing the state’s command and control system.
The complex consists of interconnected facilities that rely on the latest communication technologies and information systems, allowing for the exchange of data and the management of operations in real time, and enhancing coordination between the various branches of the armed forces and the civilian authorities concerned with crisis management.
The importance of this project comes in light of the transformations taking place in the concept of national security, where threats are no longer limited to traditional military confrontations, but also include cyberattacks, electronic warfare, and targeting of infrastructure and communication networks.
