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La Republic: Egypt buying 24 Eurofighters and 24 M-346s

Posted on June 2, 2020

Italian newspaper La Republica says Cairo is preparing to buy 24 Eurofighters along with 24 M-346 advanced jet trainers.

Apart from the jets, the massive arms deal include warships such as FREMM frigates.

For more information, hit the Source below

https://rep.repubblica.it/pwa/generale/ ... 257970866/

http://alert5.com/2020/06/02/la-republi ... 24-m-346s/

I would be surprised if they did purchase some, if I remember rightly they had financial issues with the French over the Rafale so not sure where they're going to find the cash for the Typhoon. Would be good if they did go for it but I just can't see it. The M-346 is a possibility though I think as they need a new trainer.

IIRC the Egyptian military shopping spree is partially financially supported by Saudi Arabia. Whether they will still do that during the current crisis (oil revenues have dropped) remains to be seen

It seems massively risky to sell a current state-of-the-art aircraft to a country in such an unstable region.

I read yesterday that the Russians are sneaking aircraft and equipment into Libya to support Field Marshal Haftar in the second Libyan civil war as they want to have influence over who ultimately runs the place, and hence gain access to the oil fields.

Conversely, though, I suppose that might help fortify the opinions in the west to get Typhoons to Egypt ASAP so that they don't fall foul of the same Russian manipulation?

Seems a strange move considering Egypt already operate F-16's (including up to date Blk 52), Rafale and MiG 29M. To operate 4 (5 if you include M2000 although I suspect these would be retired),different state of the art fighters means one helluva training, maintenance and support bill.

And not to forget about the recent Su-35 order

I wonder if these are new builds, or the Italians off loading their Tranche 1's so they can buy more new-build Tranche 3's.

I very much doubt Egypt would take someones used jets, and as far as I am aware while Spain is mulling over buying more Typhoons and Germany has at least formally stated it wishes to buy more. Italy hasn't said anything yet