Egypt replaces US F-16s with Chinese J-10C fighter jets

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Egypt, which possesses one of the largest militaries in the Middle East, has decided not to renew the F-16 fighter jets in its air fleet. According to Egyptian media, despite the US being 'willing' to sell F-16s to Egypt, the North African country has decided to purchase China's J-10C fighter jets instead.

In recent months, the US had been in diplomatic contact with Egypt regarding the modernization of the aircraft and the expansion of the Egyptian air fleet with F-16 jets.

The first batch of fighter jets that Egypt ordered from China was flown at the Egypt International Airshow, held at El Alamein International Airport between September 3-5.

Cairo refused to expand its existing air force fleet with fighter jets from the US and instead chose to purchase multi-role fourth-generation Chinese fighter jets.

THE US HAD NOT MODERNIZED THE F-16S

The US-made F-16 models that the Egyptian Air Force received in the 1980s have limited capabilities. This is due to restrictions imposed as a result of US concerns regarding human rights violations and regional conflicts in the country. The Egyptian Air Fleet was using outdated, older-generation missiles.

Reporting on the event, The Defence Post provides the following information regarding China's J-10C aircraft:

'...On the other hand, the J-10C is equipped with PL-10 short-range and PL-15 long-range missiles, high maneuverability, and advanced design features, enabling it to combat modern threats in air-to-air combat and strike missions.'

The report stated that Egypt is 'diversifying its military suppliers to reduce its dependence on the West, particularly the US.'

Following Pakistan's purchase of the Chengdu J-10C in 2022, Egypt will become the second country to import these aircraft.

Furthermore, Egypt recently joined the BRICS economic group alongside Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.