July 3 Naval Base
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| July 3 Naval Base | |
|---|---|
قاعدة 3 يوليو البحرية | |
| Gargoub, Egypt | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Naval Base |
| Owner |  Egypt |
| Operator | Egyptian Navy |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 31°29′13″N 26°34′35″E / 31.48694°N 26.57639°E |
| Area | 10 million square meters |
| Site history | |
| In use | 2021–present |
The 3rd of July Naval Base, also written as July 3rd Naval Base, Third of July, or July 3,[5] also known as Gargoub Naval Base, is an Egyptian naval base situated on the Mediterranean coast, approximately 255 kilometers (158 mi) west of Alexandria, near the Egypt–Libya border.[6] The Gargoub area, about 140 kilometers (87 mi) away, serves as the main entrance to the base. It became officially operational on July 3, 2021. It is geographically tasked with securing Egypt's northern and western borders, contributing to safeguarding the country's economic capabilities, particularly its offshore natural gas fields.[7]
Covering approximately 10,000,000 square metres (110,000,000 sq ft), it is one of the largest naval bases of Egypt.[8] Its geographical position supports the defense of Egypt's northwestern maritime borders and contributes to security in the Mediterranean region. It is designed to serve as a center for joint military exercises and naval training with Egyptian allies, focused on maintaining and supporting regional security ties and promoting interoperability with the naval forces of allied nations.[7]
The base also contributes to securing shipping routes and maintaining maritime security by employing combat groups from land military units, submarines, and air forces. Also, it contributes to the protection of navigation in the Suez Canal, a primary artery for international trade.[9]
Spreading over 2,650 acres (1,070 ha),[10] the base is positioned to address challenges such as illegal entry and smuggling. It is intended to provide logistical support for Egyptian troops operating in both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, allowing for a coordinated response to potential threats in the region.[7]
History
The 3rd of July Naval Base is named in reference to the aftermath of the 30 June protests. On this date, a major political shift occurred in Egypt, when then-President Mohamed Morsi, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood and Egypt's first democratically elected president, was removed from power following widespread protests. The removal was supported by Egypt's military, with General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi playing a key role in the process.[7]