For what purposes did the pharaohs keep a large army?

The pharaohs of Ancient Egypt had the main task – to secure the borders from the invasions of neighbors. Egypt had very long borders, which is why it was necessary to maintain a significant number of troops to protect the subject territories. This also includes the need to suppress the uprisings of already conquered tribes. In addition, the pharaohs themselves often invaded the lands of their neighbors in order to seize new lands, prey, or teach a restless neighbor a lesson. All this taken together explains the need to maintain a large and well-trained army.