Elshahat's military service began in 1962, spanning nearly four decades until his retirement in 2001. His early roles included commanding ZSU-23-2 and ZSU-23-4 platoons from 1962 to 1966. He then served as an SA-2 battery commander between 1966 and 1969 and as second-in-command for SA-2 and SA-3 battalions from 1969 to 1973. Following these positions, Elshahat was appointed chief of operations and planning for the 4th Air Defense Missile Brigade (1973–1975), commander of an SA-6 battalion (1975–1976), and deputy director of the Air Defense Training School (1976–1980). He later commanded the 3rd Surface-to-Air Missile Brigade (1980–1984) and served as the military attaché to Iraq (1984–1987). His subsequent roles included commander of the 1st Surface-to-Air Missile Division (1987–1993) and director of air defense operations (1993–1996). In April 1996, Elshahat was appointed commander of the
Egyptian Air Defense Forces, a position he held until 19 July 2001. During his tenure, he oversaw Egypt's air defense strategy and operations. == Military engagements ==