The Egyptian Air Force is considering the possibility of acquiring Chinese J-10C and J-31 fighter jets to modernize its fleet and replace American combat aircraft.
The Arab Republic of Egypt wants to modernize its air force in line with its talks with the People’s Republic of China.
Official sources have announced that the Egyptian Air Force is holding talks for the J-10C and J-31 fighter jets. In addition to the J-10C, which stands out with its affordable cost, Egypt is also very interested in the J-31 fighter jets to counter the F-35 stealth combat aircraft actively used by Israel in the region.
The J-10C fighter jet is known for its advanced capabilities and relatively low cost, while the J-31 is considered comparable to the Israeli Air Force’s F-35 jets. Egypt is seeking to diversify its military equipment, taking into account sanctions imposed on Russia and the close ties between the US and Israel.
While the J-10 is a very maneuverable fourth-generation fighter jet, the J-31 is a low-observable fighter jet. With Russia currently embroiled in a long war on Ukraine with resulting sanctions and the United States very close to Egypt’s neighbor Israel, then China seems a logical secondary supplier.
The J-10C can carry a targeting pod, laser-guided bombs, and air-to-air missiles. The J-10C also comes with infrared search and track equipment and an active electronically scanned array (AESA). For power, the J-10C relies on the Shenyang WS-10 engine built by the PRC.
Egypt’s warplane dilemma
Egypt’s move comes amid rising tensions between Russia, the US and China. The Egyptian army has increased its military investments with China in recent years in response to the close military ties between Israel and the US. The US threatened to sanction Egypt if Cairo goes ahead with its planned purchase if the Russian built Sukhoi Su-35 super flanker fighter jet.
Egypt had also looked towards procuring 24 Eurofighter Typhoon multirole jets, 24 M346 jet trainers, and a surveillance satellite from Italy. However, that deal was also scuttled due to Egypt’s human rights record.
Subsequently, in 2022, the U.S. then offered F-15 fighter jets to Egypt to kill it’s Su-35 acquisition plans. Unsurprisingly, Israel was keen on Egypt getting the Boeing F-15 Eagle fighter jets, and even tried to persuade the United States to approve the sale of the aircraft to Cairo, as part of Jerusalem’s efforts to improve relations between Cairo and Washington.
A few months later, Russia had to sell Egypt’s Sukhoi Su-35Es to Iran due to US pressure. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has offered 22 Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets to Egypt to augment its fleet. Egypt also procured 54 Rafales from Assault Aviation.
Egypt, China’s growing relations
The recent talks between Egyptian and Chinese officials and the issue of fighter jet transfers also reinforce the situation. Recently, Egyptian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fuad Abdel Gawad and his Chinese counterpart General Chang Dingqiu met in Beijing to discuss the possible transfer of J-10C and J-31 fighter jets.
During his visit to China, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Foaad Abdel Gawad engaged with several key figures in the Chinese military establishment, including the Chinese Air Force’s deputy chief of staff and high-ranking officials from CATIC (China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation) and NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation).
He also visited Tangshan Air Force Base, where he witnessed a flying display by Chinese J-10 C fighter aircraft, with General Chang Dingqiu presenting a commemorative shield to Major General Mahmoud Fouad Abdel Gawad against the backdrop of the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter.
Egypt had already operate a number of Chinese warplanes including the Xi’an H-6 bombers and simple F-7B and J-6 fighter jets in previous decades and has been considering modern fighter jets from the PRC since late 2022. This interest intensified in late May 2023 when the J-10C was displayed by the August 1 Aerobatics Team at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia.
Apparently, during the trade show, the Egyptians were eyeing at least 12 of the J-10Cs. The J-10C comes with an advanced electronic warfare system and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to support its multirole capabilities.
Egypt has also previously procured a variety of Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the CH4B and Wing Loong 1. It also initiated local production of the ASN-209 reconnaissance UAV and assembled significant numbers of K-8 Karakorum training aircraft domestically.
So far, only the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan operate the J-10C. However, export efforts beyond Egypt are underway. The lower price versus Western and Russian fighter jets is a key selling point.
The Shenyang J-31 is one of China’s first attempts at a fifth-generation fighter jet. If exported to Egypt, this would be the first international sale for the J-31 unless Pakistan beats Egypt to ordering the J-31.
The J-31 will dramatically advance Egypt’s capabilities and serve as a counter to Israel’s growing number of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets. However, not much is known about the J-31.
Recently, relations between Egypt and China have strengthened, with several visits by Egyptian Air Force personnel to Chinese military bases, and discussions have also included joint production and technology transfers.
A key attraction for Egypt in considering defense deals with China lies in Beijing’s policy of non-interference and careful assessment of the strategic impact of its exports. Unlike some Western suppliers, China does not impose political conditions on arms deals and ensures that such agreements do not disrupt the regional military balance.