Cairo has linked historical military relations with Moscow since the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser. The former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) had an important role to play in the re-building of the Egyptian Armed Forces in the aftermath of the 1967 setback. The Soviet military supplies helped through the War of Attrition and in achieving victory in 1973.

Military cooperation between the two countries continued non-stop over the past 30 years, particularly as 30% of Egypt's military equipment is Russian-made and still in-use.

Following the June 2013 Revolution, relations took a turn for the better; which indicates that Egyptian decision-makers have their country's interests at heart. Turning to Russia does not mean that Egypt a subordinate. Former Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmi explained that Egypt was not replacing the US with Russia but was extending bridges of cooperation with all countries.