Egypt eyes advanced jets from China as F-35 deal stalls

Egypt continues efforts to acquire a world-class fighter jet. Egyptian officials are reportedly discussing the purchase of fourth and 5th generation fighter jets from China after its attempts to acquire 20 F-35s from the United States were halted.

According to Business Insider, among the aircraft Egypt is considering buying from China are the J-10C and the FC-31, which is still in the prototype stage. However, China is reportedly reluctant to export its most advanced fifth-generation fighter, the J-20.

Egypt’s purchase of the F-35 is complicated by the U.S. commitment to provide military superiority to Israel and U.S. laws that sanction countries that import military equipment from U.S. rivals.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump offered to sell Egypt 20 F-35s in 2018, but the deal fell through due to opposition from the Pentagon and Israel.

Experts believe that Egypt’s negotiations with China are aimed at putting pressure on the United States. The U.S. may offer Egypt F-15s or advanced F-16s.

In addition to the U.S. and China, Egypt could also acquire fifth-generation aircraft from countries such as South Korea, Turkiye or India. However, it emphasized that it will take many more years for the production and export of these aircraft.