Egypt Chooses Chinese-Made J-10C Fighter Jets, Rejects F-16 Upgrade

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Egypt has reportedly decides to acquire China’s J-10C “Vigourous Dragon” fighter jets to replace its aging fleet of American-made F-16s currently in service with the country’s air force.

Although the Egyptian Ministry of Defence has yet to make an official announcement, both local and international media have confirmed the decision.

With this move, Egypt becomes the second country after Pakistan to acquire the Chinese-made 4.5 generation J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets.

Egypt’s decision signals its intention to strengthen ties with China, despite being a close ally of the United States.

Currently, the Egyptian Air Force operates around 200 F-16 fighter jets made by Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. had offered a package to upgrade these aircraft.

However, Egypt appears to have declined the offer.

The J-10 “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jet, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation for the Chinese Air Force, was first unveiled to the Chinese public in July 2017 and entered combat service in 2018.

Regional military observers note that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates approximately 150 J-10C jets.

Compared to earlier versions, the J-10C is lighter, more difficult to detect, and equipped with a more powerful engine.

Additionally, the J-10C variant features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhancing its target detection capabilities.

Reports of Egypt’s potential acquisition of the J-10C surfaced last year, with senior defense officials from both Egypt and China reportedly meeting at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023) to discuss the deal.

At LIMA 2023, China’s “August 1st” aerobatic team, flying the J-10C, also participated in the aerospace and maritime showcase at the island resort.

Meanwhile,  in July this year, an offer for Egypt to acquire the J-10C was reportedly made during a visit to China by Egyptian Air Force Commander General Mahmoud Fouad Abdel Gawaad, who met his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Dingqiu, in Beijing.

The meeting, held at the invitation of General Chang, aimed to enhance the strategic relationship between the two nations.

According to an official statement from the Egyptian Armed Forces, the visit by the Egyptian Air Force Commander underscored the Middle Eastern power’s commitment to deepening military ties with its allies.

Discussions between the two parties focused on increasing cooperation between their air forces, particularly in training programs, technology transfer, and joint equipment production.

General Mahmoud Fouad also visited Tangshan Air Base, where he and his delegation were treated to a flight demonstration of the J-10C.

The J-10C is reportedly equipped with PL-15 air-to-air missiles, which were allegedly developed with Russian assistance and have an effective range of between 200km and 300km, according to Chinese claims.

The PL-15 is also touted as a primary competitor to the U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile. – DSA