A major aerial engagement of the Yom Kippur War fought near El Mansoura, notable as an early command role for future Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.
Key Facts
- Date
- 14 October 1973
- Battle duration
- 53 minutes
- Battle start time
- 15:15 local time
- Egyptian unit
- 104th Air Wing
- Egyptian commander
- Hosni Mubarak
- Conflict
- Yom Kippur War (1973)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
On 14 October 1973, the Israeli Air Force launched strikes targeting Egyptian air bases at Tanta and Mansoura. Israeli aircraft were detected approaching from the Mediterranean Sea, prompting an immediate Egyptian defensive response.
The 104th Air Wing of the Egyptian Air Force scrambled its fighters, receiving reinforcements from other bases. The aerial engagement began at 15:15 and lasted 53 minutes over the Nile Delta near El Mansoura, with Egyptian forces commanded by Hosni Mubarak.
Egyptian sources claimed multiple Israeli aircraft were shot down during the engagement, though Israeli sources disputed these figures. The battle became a celebrated event in Egyptian military history, and Mubarak's role enhanced his standing within the Egyptian armed forces.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Hosni Mubarak.
Side B
1 belligerent