Egypt has made a significant decision to strengthen its military by ordering Chinese J-10C fighter jets, marking the first time it has bought fourth-generation fighters from China.
This order, reported on August 19, is a major step in Egypt’s growing relationship with China. It comes after Egypt joined the Chinese-led BRICS bloc earlier this year. With this move, Egypt becomes the second country after Pakistan to purchase the J-10C fighter jets.
The J-10C jets are set to replace Egypt’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, which have been in service for decades. Interestingly, Egypt may have chosen the J-10C as an alternative to upgrading its F-16s with an American package known as the F-16V.
The Chinese jets offer better combat capabilities at a similar price. Most of Egypt’s current fighter jets come from Western countries like the United States and France. However, this purchase of Chinese jets shows a shift in Egypt’s military strategy and political alliances.
Reports of this deal came as Egypt expressed concerns about the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which are supported by Western countries. Egyptian officials worry that these operations could force Palestinians to flee into Egypt, adding pressure to the region.
The acquisition of J-10C jets is seen as crucial, given that Egypt’s current fleet is outdated and considered unfit for a major conflict. Egypt’s nearly 200 F-16s are among the least advanced fighter jets in the world. They are downgraded and can only use old, Cold War-era weapons, with no modern air-to-ground attack capabilities.
For years, Egypt has struggled to modernize its F-16s due to restrictions from the United States. Egypt’s close relationship with the U.S. has meant that military upgrades often come with political conditions.
For example, after the 2013 removal of President Mohamed Morsi, the U.S. temporarily stopped military aid to Egypt, delaying crucial upgrades. The U.S. also controls the supply of spare parts and limits how Egypt can use its F-16s, which reduces Egypt’s air power.
In addition to the F-16s, Egypt’s French-made Rafale fighter jets, ordered in 2015, also face performance limitations. These jets are missing important advanced missiles, like the Meteor air-to-air missile, which significantly limits their combat strength. In comparison, the J-10C jets will come equipped with two of the most advanced missile systems in the world, the PL-10 and PL-15. These missiles are considered more powerful than their American counterparts, giving Egypt a major technological upgrade in its air force.
The J-10C is set to become Egypt’s most capable fighter jet, possibly even the best in Africa. It has already proven itself in simulated battles against larger and more modern jets, such as Russia’s Su-35 and China’s J-16. Additionally, the J-10C can carry a wide range of air-to-ground weapons, making it a versatile asset for Egypt’s military.
This purchase could also impact the balance of power in the region. The J-10C is considered more advanced than most jets in Israel’s fleet, except for its F-35s. If Egypt continues to buy more J-10Cs, Israel may need to expand its F-35 fleet or invest in better air-to-air missiles to maintain its military edge.
In conclusion, Egypt’s decision to buy Chinese J-10C fighter jets marks a significant change in its defense strategy. This move not only boosts Egypt’s military capabilities but also signals a shift away from relying solely on Western military support, particularly from the U.S. The deal underscores Egypt’s growing ties with China and its effort to modernize its air force in the face of regional challenges.
