Egypt has received its first batch of J-10CE fighter jets from China, marking a significant shift in the country’s air defence strategy and reinforcing its commitment to diversifying military suppliers. The delivery, confirmed by aviation defence analyst Húrin on social media platform X, comes months after Egypt reportedly placed its initial order on 19 August 2024. This acquisition underscores Cairo’s growing military cooperation with China amid ongoing restrictions from the United States and Europe on supplying Egypt with advanced weaponry.
The J-10CE, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, enhances Egypt’s air superiority capabilities. Comparable to modernised F-16 models, it is equipped with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, capable of engaging targets up to 300 km away – beyond visual range. This capability allows Egypt to intercept hostile aircraft and aerial threats before they reach its airspace.
This acquisition expands Egypt’s fighter fleet to four different suppliers: the United States, France, Russia, and now China. This diversification reduces dependency on any single country, a crucial factor as Cairo navigates geopolitical constraints on its military procurement.
Egypt’s air force modernisation has been a decades-long process. Historically, the country relied on Soviet-era aircraft, such as the MiG-17 and MiG-21, which played a pivotal role in the 1973 war. Post-conflict, Egypt added MiG-23s to its fleet.
Following the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, Cairo shifted its focus to American F-16 fighter jets, acquiring one of the world’s largest fleets. However, the US refused to supply AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, limiting Egyptian F-16s’ beyond-visual-range air combat capabilities. This put them at a disadvantage against Israeli, Turkish, and Gulf air forces equipped with more advanced F-15 and F-35 jets.
In 2015, Egypt purchased 24 French Rafale fighters, followed by 30 more in 2021, becoming the second-largest Rafale operator after France. However, France restricted access to long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles, limiting Egypt’s operational reach.
Cairo then turned to Russia, acquiring 46 MiG-29 fighters equipped with advanced beyond-visual-range missiles. Egypt then pursued the Su-35, but Washington warned that proceeding with the deal could jeopardise US-Egypt military relations, leading Cairo to cancel the order.
Egypt also explored acquiring F-15s. However, the proposed deal involved a downgraded variant. The US alternatively offered an upgrade package for Egypt’s existing F-16s, which fell short of expectations.
Against this backdrop, Egypt’s decision to procure Chinese J-10CE fighters in August 2024 represents a strategic pivot. By integrating Chinese aircraft, Egypt reduces the risk of future arms embargoes or restrictions. The J-10CE’s radar, manoeuvrability, and missile systems provide the Egyptian Air Force with an air defence advantage.
As regional air forces continue to modernise, Egypt’s latest acquisition signals a new era, ensuring its ability to defend its airspace without external limitations.
