For the first time in history, Russian paratroopers are to take part in joint drills with their Egyptian counterparts in Africa, Sputnik news agency reported the Russian defence ministry saying yesterday.

According to Sputnik, the Russian paratroopers, who are expected to leave for Egypt this month, will be using their own equipment.

“For the first time in history a Russian paratrooper unit with its own weaponry and equipment is planning to leave for Africa to participate in a joint international exercise,” a statement of the Russian defence ministry said.

“According to the plan, Russian servicemen will leave for the Arab Republic of Egypt in October,” the statement added, noting the goal of the drills is to determine joint strategies and the destruction of a simulated enemy’s forces in desert.

The statement also said that observers from more than 30 countries are planned to attend the joint drills.

In June 2015, the Egyptian navy took part in military exercises with its Russian counterpart in the Mediterranean, Quds Press said. The news site added that Russia and Egypt have recently signing a number of military deals.