King Fuad is insistent that Egypt re-acquire the Empire it held under his ancestor Muhammad Ali. While Fuad's ambitions had been kept in check by the more frugal Wafd government, the new Watani government is more willing to indulge the King. Thus, the current project of Egyptian military modernization has begun.

A Partnership with the 3i

As it was the British Revolution which enabled Egypt's own revolution and the 3i is the only major international faction which is not complicity in the 'temporary international administration' of the Suez Canal, Egypt will turn to the 3i to provide it with military equipment and advisors. As the 3i's only other major source of cotton is India which is in the middle of a revolt, we hope that we can pay for these arms and trainers in cotton.

Upgrading the Army

Hearing stories from Europe of new machines of war, and having live in Italy in his youth, Fuad has ordered the purchase of tanks and artillery with which to equip the existing army. 50 new tanks, 100 new artillery pieces, and 50 AA guns will augment the capabilities of our existing Army. While it will be a few years before our officers know how to properly use these new weapons, training in them will begin immediately.

A Stand-Alone Air Force

With our existing air defence force currently a part of the Egyptian Army, our air power is weak and underutilized. Fuad visions a separate air force with new bases built along the Nile, Mediterranean, and Red Sea. 25 new fighters and 25 bombers will be purchased with which to equip this force, and foreign experts will be hired to train our pilots.

Defending our Coasts

While Egypt has no need of a navy capable of projecting power beyond our shores, the loss of Suez a decade ago was an embarrassment, and we need to be ready to hold it if we do take it back. We will invest in 20 torpedo boats and 5 mine layers to use to defend our shores.

Paying for our Shiny New Toys

With the price of cotton already falling due to Black Monday, the government has approved new taxes to pay for these upgrades. This will not be popular with the Egyptian people unless we can score a military victory in the next few years.