Egyptian Air Force

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) is structured to project power and defend against a wide array of regional threats. Its operational capabilities are built upon a large and exceptionally diverse inventory of aircraft sourced from the United States, France, Russia, and, more recently, China. This multi-sourcing strategy provides strategic flexibility and lessens dependency on any single political power, though it creates significant logistical and maintenance challenges. To address the difficulty of integrating disparate Western and Eastern platforms, the EAF utilizes a locally developed command and control system known as RISC2, designed to link its various aircraft, sensors, and radars into a cohesive network.

The EAF’s strategic doctrine has evolved from a historically defensive posture, primarily focused on the conflict with Israel, to a more "preventative" model. This shift is a direct response to regional instability, the rise of non-state actors, and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. This doctrine prioritizes nipping threats in the bud by striking targets outside national borders when deemed necessary for national security. This was demonstrated in its operational engagements over the past decade, which included targeted airstrikes against militant strongholds in Libya and extensive operations as part of the counter-insurgency campaign in the Sinai Peninsula. These actions underscore a strategy aimed at asserting regional influence and securing national interests far beyond its immediate borders.

A key development of Egypt Air Force is the acquisition of additional Dassault Rafale fighters from France, with deliveries of a second batch of 30 F3-R standard aircraft expected to continue until 2026. This enhances its deep strike and air superiority potential. In a significant strategic pivot, the EAF has also become an operator of the Chinese J-10CE multi-role fighter, with the first batch delivered in early 2025. This move was driven partly by US reluctance to supply certain advanced munitions for its large F-16 fleet and the effective cancellation of a deal for Russian Su-35s due to the threat of US sanctions. The turn to Chinese hardware provides access to advanced long-range air-to-air missiles, addressing a previous capability gap and reinforcing Cairo’s policy of diversifying its military suppliers to avoid external political constraints.