(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In the past two or three years, Egypt and Italy have engaged in negotiations for the acquisition of various types of weapons, including up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets valued at US$3 billion (RM13.5 billion) issued by a consortium of four European countries.
The Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets are developed by a consortium of companies from the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
In addition to the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, Egypt is reportedly on the verge of obtaining approval to acquire F-15 fighter jets from the United States, thus fulfilling its 40-year-long aspiration to possess the aircraft.
If the presence of the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15 is confirmed through the signing of contracts, both fighter jets will join the Egyptian Air Force, which already possesses 54 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, France, and various other fighter aircraft.
While Egypt’s efforts to acquire the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets are likely to face minimal challenges, especially after Germany agreed to sell these fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Cairo is expected not to receive a “full package.”
Similar to the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France, Egypt is anticipated to face the same fate if it opts for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
If Egypt chooses the Eurofighter Typhoon, it is unlikely to be provided with a “full package,” including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air guided missiles like the “Meteor” and other strategic weaponry.
This is to maintain the Qualitative Military Edge (QME) held by Israel.
Although Israel may not object to the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Egypt, there are indications that Israel may veto any sale of the “Meteor BVR” air-to-air guided missiles to Egypt.
A similar situation occurred when Egypt purchased Rafale fighter jets, where Israel opposed any French efforts to equip the sold fighter jets to Cairo with the Meteor guided missiles.
As of now, the Egyptian Air Force’s Rafale fighter jets remain without the Meteor BVR guided missiles due to Israel’s objections, which aims to preserve its military superiority over Cairo.
Reports suggest that Cairo continues to press France to provide the Meteor BVR air-to-air guided missiles.
Israel is reportedly concerned about the fate of its fighter jets, especially the F-16 and F-15, if Egyptian fighter jets equipped with the Meteor BVR engage in armed conflict between the two nations.
For Israel’s fifth-generation F-35 “Adir” fighter jets, encountering fighter jets equipped with the Meteor BVR guided missiles may not pose significant challenges.
In 2022, the highest-ranking official of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East, General Frank McKenzie, announced the U.S. intention to supply F-15 fighter jets to Egypt.
Reports in 2022 stated that Israel supported the sale of F-15s to Egypt, but the situation may have changed given the tense relations between the two neighboring countries due to armed conflict between Tel Aviv and Palestine.
Although the United States “ended” Cairo’s 40-year wait for F-15 fighter jets, observers agree that Washington is unlikely to provide a full package for these aircraft, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air guided missiles to Egypt.
As usual, the United States cites opposition from Israel and the need to maintain Israel’s military superiority over its neighboring country as reasons for its reluctance to sell AIM-120 AMRAAM guided missiles to Egypt. – DSA
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