After Rafale, MiG-29, F-16, this is world's only country to get Chinese J-10C fighter jets, the name is..., India is its...
Egypt may soon become the only country in the world to fly a French Rafale, an American F-16, a Russian MiG-29, and a now a Chinese J-10C fighter jet, as the country eyes to purchase a fleet of the 4.5 generation Chinese warplanes. Currently no country in the world operates fighter jets from four different countries. Egypt to acquire J-10C fighter jets
According to reports, Egypt, which already operates retired Chinese bombers, is mulling to acquire China's 4.5 generation J-10C fighter jets in an effort to modernize its air force fleet. The speculation was fueled after the Chinese J-10C Vigorous Dragon was on display at the Egyptian International Air Show in September 2024.
In February this year, Egyptian media had claimed that Cairo and Beijing had inked a deal for the purchase of J-10C fighter jet, but these claims were later dismissed as 'fake news' by Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian. Later, in April 2025, footage of an Egyptian pilot flying a J-10C during the Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air exercise, added fuel to the speculations that Egypt was planning to buy the J-10C fighter jet. Egypt also eyeing Korean FA-50
Meanwhile, Egypt is also reportedly considering South Korea's FA-50 fighter jet. According to media report, Egyptian official held talks with South Korean counterparts in this regard last month.
The FA-50 is South Korea's indigenously-built fighter jet, which the country claims is equipped with stealth technology, but is priced much lower than any fifth generation warplane. If true, this make the FA-50 an enticing option for budget-conscious nations like Egypt. Egypt to become first country with Rafales and J-10Cs?
But if Egypt chooses to acquire the Chinese J-10C instead of the South Korean FA-50, it will become the only country to operate fighter jets from four different countries. The Egyptian Air Force currently comprises American, Russian and French fighter jets.
It would also become the first nation too fly both a French Rafale and Chinese J-10C fighter jets, and only the second country after Pakistan to acquire the 4.5th generation Chinese fighter, which was reportedly used by the Pakistan Air Force during the recent India-Pakistan crisis.
At present, Egypt has a fleet over 200 F-16s, making it the fourth-largest operator of the F-16 Fighting Falcons.
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