Sunday September 8, 2024
FILE - A Chinese J-10C fighter jet in flight, equipped with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. The J-10C is a multi-role aircraft that Egypt recently acquired to modernize its air force.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Egypt has secured a deal with China to acquire advanced J-10C fighter jets, a major step in modernizing its military amid ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The agreement, signed on August 19, positions Egypt as the second country to operate these Chinese-built fighters, following Pakistan.
The purchase comes as Egypt seeks to replace its aging fleet of U.S.-made F-16 Fighting Falcons, which have been in service since the Cold War. The nearly 200 F-16s in Egypt’s air force have long been considered outdated, with limited combat capabilities due to restrictions on advanced upgrades and weapons imposed by the U.S. government. These restrictions, tied to political considerations, have left Egypt looking for alternative suppliers as it seeks to bolster its air capabilities.
Egypt’s decision to partner with China reflects a broader trend across the region, as countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates increasingly turn to China for military equipment, including drones, missiles, and anti-drone defense systems.The shift highlights the growing appeal of Chinese technology as regional nations seek to diversify their defence procurement and reduce their reliance on Western suppliers. In Egypt’s case, U.S. restrictions on advanced technologies, such as radar systems and missile capabilities, have slowed efforts to modernize its F-16 fleet. These obstacles were compounded by the suspension of U.S. military aid following the 2013 ouster of President Mohamed Morsi.China’s J-10C fighter jets offer Egypt a modern, multi-role platform equipped with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the PL-10 and PL-15, which outperform the American AIM-9X and AIM-120D according to many military analysts.
Analysts say Egypt’s decision to acquire Chinese military technology could reshape the regional balance of power, especially as tensions with Ethiopia simmer over the GERD. The dam, which Ethiopia views as critical for its energy needs, is seen by Egypt as a potential threat to its access to the Nile River, its primary water source. Some experts have suggested that Egypt’s enhanced air capabilities could be used to project military power in the Horn of Africa if diplomatic efforts fail. Some experts have speculated that Egypt could use military bases in Somalia as launching points for airstrikes if tensions with Ethiopia escalate further.
China’s growing influence in Africa and the Middle East is also a key factor in the deal. By supplying Egypt with J-10C fighters, China strengthens its foothold in the region, offering advanced military equipment with fewer political strings attached than Western suppliers. The deal is expected to lead to closer military cooperation between the two nations, potentially paving the way for further arms sales in the future.
Egypt’s move toward Chinese military technology is part of a broader strategy to diversify its defence procurement in response to its long-standing difficulties with Western arms suppliers. In recent years, Cairo has faced challenges with U.S. suppliers and France, which has been reluctant to provide Egypt with the most advanced weaponry, including Meteor air-to-air missiles, for its Rafale fighters. Like the U.S., France has been cautious about supplying Egypt with the latest military technology, ostensibly concerned about how it might be used in volatile regional conflicts.
The J-10C jets are considered a significant upgrade for Egypt’s air force, providing capabilities surpassing its current F-16 and Rafale fleets. Equipped with advanced radar systems and modern air-to-air missiles, the J-10C offers Egypt a technological advantage that could change the dynamics of future conflicts in the region.