It is a fact that Greece, thanks to the RAFALE and F-16 VIPER, has gained air superiority over Turkey.
In addition to our country, our allied nations, Israel and Egypt, also hold an air advantage over Turkey, which means that despite Erdogan's bravado and efforts, Turkish dominance in the Southeastern Mediterranean seems to be a distant, unreachable dream.
Egypt to receive Chinese J-10CE fighter jets
A key aspect of Egyptian President Sisi's efforts to strengthen his air force is the acquisition of the first batch of Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, which are now equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles capable of engaging targets beyond visual range.
Egypt's decision to acquire Chinese J-10CE fighter jets marks a significant shift in its military procurement strategy, reflecting a broader trend of diversifying its defense partnerships away from traditional Western suppliers, particularly the United States.
Reports indicate that Egypt signed an agreement with China on August 19, 2024, to purchase these advanced fourth-generation multirole fighter jets, known as the "Vigorous Dragon," to replace its aging fleet of American-made F-16 Fighting Falcons.
This move makes Egypt the second international customer for the J-10C, after Pakistan, and highlights Cairo's growing military ties with Beijing, especially after Egypt's inclusion in the BRICS bloc led by China earlier this year.
The deal, which has not been officially confirmed by either Egypt or China, emerged after the J-10C's debut at the first International Airshow in Egypt in September 2024, where it showcased its inaugural demonstration in Africa.
Technical specifications of the J-10C
The J-10C, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation, is equipped with advanced features such as a radar scanning system, modern electronics, and the capability to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the PL-10 and PL-15.
Its delta-wing design and canard configuration enhance maneuverability and lift, making it a competitive alternative to Western fighters like the F-16.
Analysts note that the J-10C offers superior combat capabilities at a lower cost, with unit prices estimated at $40 to $50 million, compared to $65 to $70 million for the latest versions of the F-16.
Egypt's decision to opt for Chinese aircraft came after rejecting offers from the United States to upgrade its F-16s to the F-16V standard and from Russia for MiG-29 fighters, reflecting frustration over the limitations and high costs associated with Western suppliers.
Egypt's shift toward China
Cairo has long relied on U.S. military aid and equipment, operating one of the largest F-16 fleets in the world, but these aircraft are equipped with outdated technology and lack advanced beyond-visual-range missiles due to U.S. restrictions, partly influenced by their alliance with Israel.
In contrast, China imposes fewer political restrictions on arms sales, providing Egypt with greater operational flexibility.
The purchase aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to modernize its air force and reduce dependence on Western systems, a trend also evident in its acquisitions of French Rafale aircraft and Russian MiG-29s.
However, integrating Chinese aircraft into Egypt's diverse fleet, which includes American, French, and Russian platforms, presents logistical challenges such as maintenance and training.
Egypt's growing relationship with China extends beyond military hardware, as evidenced by its participation in BRICS and increasing economic ties.
The J-10C deal is seen as part of a strategic alignment with Beijing, which offers not only economical military solutions but also fewer political commitments compared to Western partners.
Some analysts argue that Egypt's decision may be a response to regional tensions, including concerns over Israeli military operations in Gaza and the need to maintain a credible deterrent capability.
While the exact number of J-10C jets Egypt plans to acquire remains unknown, reports suggest initial interest in twelve (12) units, with potential for further orders depending on performance and successful integration.
Domestic and international reactions
Within Egypt, the acquisition is seen by some as a step toward greater military independence and a pragmatic response to Western restrictions, while others express concerns about the long-term implications of moving away from established U.S. partnerships.
On the international stage, the deal underscores China's growing influence in the Middle East and North Africa, challenging the dominance of Western arms suppliers.
Critics of the established narrative warn that while the J-10C offers advanced capabilities, dependence on Chinese technology and support could create new dependencies, potentially complicating Egypt's long-term strategic autonomy.
Nonetheless, Egypt's acquisition of the J-10CE fighter jets marks a bold step in its defense modernization efforts, reflecting a multipolar approach to global military cooperation.
The Significance of acquiring the Chinese PL-15 beyond visual range air-to-air missile
Egypt's acquisition of the Chinese PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile marks a significant shift in its military strategy, reflecting both its regional ambitions and the constraints imposed by Western powers.
The PL-15, an advanced long-range missile with an estimated range of up to 300 kilometers in its domestic version, provides Egypt with a capability it has long sought but has been denied by its traditional Western allies.
This move comes as Cairo faced repeated refusals from the United States and European nations to supply advanced air-to-air munitions like the AIM-120 AMRAAM or the MBDA Meteor, due to geopolitical considerations and concerns about regional balance, particularly in relation to Israel's military advantage.
The Egyptian Air Force has historically relied on a mix of Western and Soviet-era platforms, including F-16s, Rafales, and MiG-29s, but its ability to fully leverage these aircraft has been hampered by restrictions on advanced weapons.
For example, Egypt's F-16 fleet, one of the largest in the world, has been limited to older AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, which lack the range and sophistication of modern beyond-visual-range systems.
Similarly, while Egypt has acquired French Rafale aircraft, efforts to equip them with the Meteor missile, which has a range of over 100 kilometers, are said to have been blocked by Western powers, influenced by Israeli concerns about maintaining its qualitative military edge in the region.
These restrictions have left Egypt's air force at a disadvantage, especially in scenarios requiring long-range engagement capabilities against potential adversaries.
China's willingness to supply the PL-15, particularly in its export version, the PL-15E, which has a reduced but still formidable range of about 145 kilometers, represents a strategic pivot for Egypt.
The potential resistance to electronic countermeasures of the PL-15E makes it a powerful tool for air superiority, bringing Egypt closer to parity with regional powers that possess similar advanced systems.
This acquisition not only strengthens Egypt's deterrence posture but also signals a diversification of its arms suppliers, reducing its dependence on Western nations that have imposed stringent conditions on military sales.
In conclusion, the strategic implications of Egypt's acquisition of twelve J-10C fighter jets, which will carry the PL-15 air-to-air missiles, extend beyond its borders, potentially reshaping the aerial dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa.
With the ability to engage aerial targets at long distances, the Egyptian Air Force will be able to project its power, enhancing its role as a regional security player alongside Greece and Israel in the Southeastern Mediterranean, "sinking" Erdogan's "Blue Homeland."
