China denies sale of J-10 fighter jets to Egypt

China has officially denied reports that Egypt received its first batch of J-10 fighter jets, labeling the claims as unfounded.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian addressed the speculation, stating, “It is inconsistent with the facts. Total fake news.” This rebuttal follows a February 13 report by Daily News Egypt asserting that Cairo had taken delivery of the advanced aircraft.

Despite China’s denial, Egypt’s interest in the J-10C and J-31 fighter jets highlights its ongoing efforts to modernize its air force amid complex geopolitical constraints and procurement challenges.

Egypt’s Interest in Chinese Fighter Jets

Egypt’s pursuit of the J-10C and J-31 reflects a strategic shift toward diversifying its defense suppliers. Recently, Egyptian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fuad Abdel Gawad met with General Chang Dingqiu, his Chinese counterpart, in Beijing to explore the potential transfer of these aircraft.

The J-10C, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, boasts advanced PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away, offering a cost-effective yet capable platform. Meanwhile, the J-31 is seen as a potential counter to Israel’s F-35 stealth jets, aligning with Egypt’s regional security priorities.

This interest is not new. Egypt has considered modern Chinese fighter jets since late 2022, with momentum building after the J-10C’s showcase by the August 1 Aerobatics Team at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in May 2023. Egypt’s history with Chinese warplanes—including the Xi’an H-6 bombers and F-7B and J-6 fighters in past decades—further underpins its openness to renewed collaboration with Beijing.

Egypt’s turn toward China stems from persistent frustrations with its primary defense partner, the United States. Over the years, U.S. foreign policy decisions—often tied to human rights concerns, regional conflicts, or alliance dynamics—have hindered Egypt’s ability to modernize its F-16 fleet.

For instance, after the 2013 military ousting of President Mohamed Morsi, the U.S. suspended military aid, delaying critical upgrades for Egypt’s aging F-16s. Restrictions on integrating advanced air-to-air missiles and radar technologies have similarly limited enhancements to both its F-16s and Rafale jets, acquired from France.

These constraints have driven Egypt to seek suppliers like China, which impose fewer political conditions. This shift is part of a broader strategy to secure independent and reliable defense options, reducing Cairo’s reliance on partners whose support fluctuates with geopolitical tides.

Egypt’s defense procurement efforts have faced additional external pressures. The U.S. threatened sanctions if Cairo proceeded with its planned acquisition of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-35, prompting Washington to offer F-15 fighter jets in 2022 as an alternative. Israel supported this move, encouraging the U.S. to approve the F-15 sale to strengthen ties between Cairo and Washington. However, Russia ultimately redirected Egypt’s Su-35s to Iran under U.S. pressure.

Elsewhere, Egypt explored a deal with Italy for 24 Eurofighter Typhoons, 24 M346 jet trainers, and a surveillance satellite, but this collapsed due to concerns over Egypt’s human rights record. Regionally, the United Arab Emirates offered 22 Mirage 2000-9 jets to bolster Egypt’s fleet, while Cairo has also secured 54 Rafales from Dassault Aviation, reinforcing its multi-supplier approach.

China’s dismissal of the J-10 sale does not necessarily signal an end to Egypt’s interest. Ongoing talks suggest that Cairo remains committed to exploring Chinese options, drawn by their affordability, advanced capabilities, and lack of restrictive conditions. Whether Egypt still intends to acquire the J-10C or J-31 remains unclear, but its pursuit reflects a pragmatic response to the limitations of its traditional partnerships.

Reports in Israeli media have highlighted growing concerns within Tel Aviv’s defense and security circles over Egypt’s potential acquisition of advanced Chinese J-10C fighter jets, particularly if they are equipped with PL-15 air-to-air missiles.