Egypt has reportedly signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets to replace its F-16 Falcon fleet.
The J-10C is a multi-role fighter jet with advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. The agreement comes after Cairo rejected offers from both the U.S. and Russia to upgrade or replace its fleet. According to Defense Blog, the agreement for the Chengdu J-10C, also known as the “Vigorous Dragon,” was signed on August 19, 2024. This purchase will make Egypt the second international customer for the J-10C after Pakistan.
The development comes as Cairo continues to strengthen strategic and economic ties with Beijing, following its accession to the China-led BRICS bloc earlier this year.
It was reported that Egypt evaluated an American package to modernise its F-16s acquired under the Peace Vector Programme to the F-16V variant but ultimately rejected it. The country also rejected Russia’s offer of MiG-29 fighter jets after its negative experience with the MiG-29M aircraft it purchased from Russia in 2015. With the exception of three squadrons of MiG-29M fighters that Egypt ordered from Russia in 2015, all of Egypt’s fourth-generation fighters are of Western origin.
Recently, as a sign of military cooperation, China displayed its J-10C aircraft at the Egypt International Air Show, making its first appearance in Africa.
