Biography of Lt. Gen. Ashraf Salem Zahir, Egypt’s New Minister of Defense

Cairo – Defence MEA Staff

Egypt’s Ministry of Defense has released the official biography of Lt. Gen. Ashraf Salem Zahir, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, one of the most prominent military leaders who rose through the ranks of the Egyptian Armed Forces before assuming the highest leadership positions.

Lt. Gen. Ashraf Salem Zahir belongs to the Air Defense Forces. Born on August 18, 1968, he graduated from the Air Defense College on July 1, 1989, beginning a long military career that spanned multiple command and leadership posts across the Armed Forces.

Advanced Military and Academic Education

The new defense minister holds a Bachelor’s degree in Military Sciences, completed the Senior Commanders Course, and obtained a fellowship from the National Defense College.

He also earned civilian academic qualifications, including a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Communications and Electrophysics) and a Master’s degree in National Strategy, reflecting a blend of operational military experience and modern scientific knowledge.

Leadership Career within the Air Defense Forces

Lt. Gen. Zahir served in all key command positions within the Air Defense Forces, eventually becoming Commander of Air Defense of the Western Military Region.

He later served as Director of the Military College and subsequently Director of the Egyptian Military Academy, where he contributed to modernizing military education and preparing new generations of officers in line with the latest international standards.

Medals and Military Decorations

Throughout his career, Lt. Gen. Zahir received several medals and decorations in recognition of his service, including the First-Class Military Duty Medal, the Silver Jubilee Medal of the October 1973 Victory, the Golden Jubilee Medal of the July 1952 Revolution, the Silver Jubilee Medal of Sinai Liberation, as well as the January 25 and June 30 Medals, in addition to other military honors.

Field Experience with Strategic Vision

The appointment of Lt. Gen. Ashraf Salem Zahir reflects Egypt’s continued reliance on leaders combining field experience with academic expertise in developing the Armed Forces. His background in air defense and military education is expected to strengthen the Egyptian military’s capabilities in strategic planning and modernization.