Egyptian Air Force

Egyptian Air Force
Egyptian Air Force
القوات الجوية المصرية; El Qūwāt El Gawīyä El Maṣrīya;
	Badge of the Egyptian Air Force
Founded	Part of the Egyptian Army in 1932, an independent service arm in 1937 (92 years)
Country	Egypt
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Size	30,000 active personnel; 20,000 reserve personnel; 50,000 total personnel; 1,080 aircraft
Part of	Egyptian Armed Forces
Headquarters	Heliopolis, Cairo
Motto(s)	إلى العلا في سبيل المجد; I‘la’ al-'olà fī sabīl al-magd; "Higher and higher for the sake of glory";
Colours
March	أغنية للقوات الجوية (Air Force Song)
Mascot(s)	Golden eagle
Anniversaries	14 October
Engagements	List of conflicts in Egypt World War II; 1948 Arab–Israeli War; Suez Crisis; North Yemen Civil War; Six-Day War; Nigerian Civil War; War of Attrition; 6th of October War; Shaba I; Egyptian–Libyan War; Sinai insurgency; Second Libyan Civil War; 2015 airstrikes in Libya; Intervention in Yemen;
Website	www.mod.gov.eg
Commanders
Commander of the Air Force	Air Marshal Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad
Chief of Air Staff	Air Vice Marshal Amr Abdelrahman Sakkrr
Notable; commanders	Hosni Mubarak; Ahmed Shafik; Reda Hafez
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Flag
Aircraft flown
Attack	Alpha Jet, Mirage 5E2, Wing Loong II, E-June 30SW
Electronic; warfare	E-2C, Beechcraft 1900, Commando Mk.2E
Fighter	F-16A/B/C/D, Mirage 5SDE, Mirage 2000EM, Rafale DM/EM, MiG-29M/M2, F-4E
Helicopter	AW109, AW139, AW149, AW189, UH-60M, S-70, SA342L
Attack helicopter	Ka-52E, AH-64D/E, Mi-24V, Mi-17, SA342L
Cargo helicopter	CH-47D, Commando Mk.1/2B, Mi-8, Mi-17
Patrol	SH-2G
Reconnaissance	M-324, E-June 30SW, Mirage 5SDR, AT-802
Trainer	K-8E, L-39, MiG-29UB, Mirage 2000BM, Mirage 5SDD, Alpha Jet, EMB 312, G-115
Transport	C-130H, IL-76MF, C-295, An-74, DHC-5, Beechcraft 1900

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) (Arabic: القوات الجوية المصرية, romanized: El Qūwāt El Gawīyä El Maṣrīya), is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces that is responsible for all airborne defence missions and operates all military aircraft, including those used in support of the Egyptian Army, Egyptian Navy and the Egyptian Air Defense Forces. The latter was created as a separate command in the 1970s and it coordinates with the Air Force to integrate air and ground-based air defense operations. The EAF is headed by an air marshal (lieutenant general equivalent). Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad. The force's motto is 'Higher and higher for the sake of glory' (Arabic: إلى العلا في سبيل المجد, I‘la’ al-'olà fī sabīl al-magd). It was known as the Royal Egyptian Air Force until 18 June 1953 following the declaration of the Republic of Egypt by Muhammad Naguib.

The Egyptian Army Air Service was formed in 1932, and became an independent air force in 1937. It had little involvement in the Second World War. From 1948 to 1973 it took part in four separate wars with Israel, as well as the quasi-War of Attrition. It also supported the Egyptian Army during the North Yemen Civil War and the Libyan–Egyptian War of 1977. From 1977 to 2011 it saw virtually no combat, but has participated in numerous exercises, including Operation Bright Star. Since 1992 the EAF has also provided aviation support for the police and other national security organizations engaged in the war against terrorism. In recent years the Air Force has acted in the Sinai insurgency, the Second Libyan Civil War and the Intervention in the Yemen.

The EAF primary role is the air defence of the nation, with secondary tasks of strike and army support operations. The EAF provides official government transport and carries out international search-and- rescue operations in the desert, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea.

In 2023 the IISS estimated the total active manpower of the Egyptian Air Force at approximately 30,000 personnel, including 10,000 conscripts, with reserves of 20,000 personnel.^[1]

History

Establishment (Royal Egyptian Air Force)

Egyptian airplanes flying over Koubbeh Palace in celebration of King Farouk I and Queen Farida's wedding.

In late 1928, the Parliament of Egypt proposed the creation of an Egyptian Air Force. The Egyptian ministry of war announced that it needed volunteers for the new arm to become the first four Egyptian military pilots. Over 200 Egyptian officers volunteered, but in the end only three succeeded in passing strict medical tests and technical examinations.^[6]

These three went to No. 4 Flying Training School RAF at RAF Station Abu Sueir near the Suez Canal, where they were trained on a variety of aircraft. After graduation, they traveled to the United Kingdom for specialised training.

On 2 November 1930, the King of Egypt and Sudan, Fuad I announced the creation of the Egyptian Army Air Force (EAAF). On 27 May 1931 the Egyptian Council of Ministers approved the purchase of five aircraft and the building of an airfield at Almaza (Cairo) with a budget of 50,000 pounds. The aircraft chosen was the British de Havilland Gipsy Moth trainer, the five modified aircraft were flown from England to Egypt and on arrival in May 1932 the air force was founded and the Almaza airfield was formally opened.

The first commander of the EAAF was Squadron Leader Victor Hubert Tait RAF, a Canadian, former Senior Air Advisor on the British Military Mission in Egypt. Tait selected staff, weapons and initiated building a number of airfields. In 1934 the British government provided ten Avro 626 aircraft, which were the first real Egyptian military planes. A further 17 626s together with Hawker Audaxes for army cooperation and close support and Avro Ansons for VIP work followed shortly afterward.

In 1937 the Egyptian Army Air Force was separated from the Army Command and became an independent branch named the Royal Egyptian Air Force (REAF). New stations were built in the Suez Canal Zone, and the Western Desert.

During 1938 the REAF received two squadrons (Nos 2 and 5) of Gloster Gladiator biplane fighters^[7] and No. 1 Squadron of Westland Lysander reconnaissance aircraft, Egypt was the last state to use the Lysander in action, during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

Second World War

As the Egyptian border was threatened by an Italian and German invasion during the Second World War, the Royal Air Force established more airfields in Egypt. The Royal Egyptian Air Force was sometimes treated as a part of the Royal Air Force, at other times a strict policy of neutrality was followed as Egypt maintained its official neutrality until very late in the war. As a result, few additional aircraft were supplied by Britain, however the arm did receive its first modern fighters, Hawker Hurricanes and a small number of Curtiss P-40 Tomahawks. In the immediate post-war period, cheap war surplus aircraft, including a large number of Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXs were acquired.

A 1946 order of battle for the Air Force can be found in Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II, listing Nos 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 Squadrons at Almaza Air Base, and No. 2 Squadron at Edku.

1948 Arab–Israeli War

On display circa 1956, new aircraft purchased from Czechoslovakia and the USSR clockwise: MiG-17F, MiG-15bis, Il-28, Yak-11, Zlin 226, and two Mi-1 helicopters.

Following the British withdrawal from the British Protectorate of Palestine and the establishment of the State of Israel on 14 May 1948, Egyptian forces crossed into Palestine as part of a wider Arab League military coalition in support of the Palestinians against the Israelis. The Egyptian Air Force contribution included the Short Stirling bomber,^[8] Douglas C-47 Dakotas performing as light bombers and Spitfires.

Two Israeli aircraft were shot down and on 22 May 1948, Egyptian Spitfires attacked the RAF Ramat David airfield, believing that it had already been taken over by Israeli forces. The first raid surprised the British, and resulted in the destruction of several RAF aircraft on the ground, and the deaths of four airmen. The British were uncertain whether the attacking Spitfires had come from Arab or Israeli forces. When second and third raids followed shortly afterwards, the British were ready and the entire Egyptian force was shot down – the last aircraft being baited for some time as the RAF pilots attempted to get a close look at its markings.

Relations with Britain were soon restored and the official state of war with Israel ensured that arms purchases continued. New Spitfire Mk. 22s were purchased to replace the earlier models. In late 1949, Egypt received its first jet fighter, the British Gloster Meteor F4 and shortly after de Havilland Vampire FB5s.

Republican Egypt (Egyptian Air Force)

In 1955, Egypt made an agreement to buy heavy arms from Czechoslovakia, culminating four years of attempts.^[9] The Egyptian Government was determined to move away from reliance on British armaments. 1951 discussions had included 60–100 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 fighters. Initial Soviet bloc deliveries included the MiG-15s, Ilyushin Il-28 bombers, Ilyushin Il-14 transports, and Yak-11 trainers. Instructors from Czechoslovakia accompanied these aircraft. Egypt also began manufacturing its own Czechoslovak-designed Heliopolis Gomhouria (originally the German Bü 181 Bestmann) primary trainers at this time.

Suez Crisis

After the Egyptian Government's nationalisation of the Suez Canal in 1956, Egypt was attacked by Israel, France, and the United Kingdom in what came to be known as the Suez Crisis ("Tripartite Aggression" in Egypt). Heavy losses were sustained by the Egyptian side. After U.S. pressure, the French and British withdrew their forces after seizing the city of Suez. The war also forced the EAF to begin rebuilding without British help.

In 1958, Egypt merged with Syria to form the United Arab Republic, and the previously separate Egyptian and Syrian forces were combined as the United Arab Republic Air Force. Though Syria left the union in 1961, Egypt continued to use the union's official name until 1971, including for its air force.

A formation of Il-28 bombers, over Cairo during a parade in September 1956.

One of the first Egyptian Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 units was the 15th Air Brigade, consisting of Nos 20 and 21 Squadrons, which became operational at Fayid with a forward location at Milayz in the early 1960s.^[10]

By the mid-1960s, British aircraft had been replaced completely by Soviet hardware. The Soviet Union became the principal supplier of the EAF, and many other Arab states. This allowed the EAF to greatly modernise and boost its combat effectiveness. The MiG-21 Fishbed arrived in the early 1960s, bringing with it a Mach 2 capability. The MiG-21 would remain Egypt's primary fighter for the next two decades. The EAF also began flying the Sukhoi Su-7 fighter/bomber in the mid-1960s. By 1966, Air Group 65, with its primary base at Cairo West Air Base, was operating three squadrons of Tupolev Tu-16 "Badgers": No. 34 and 36 Squadrons with bomber variants, and No. 95 Squadron equipped with the Tu-16KS' that could carry AS-1 Kennel air-to-surface missiles.^[11] In 1967, Egypt had 200 MiG-21s.

Egypt also took over the Helwan HA-300 from Spain as its first supersonic aircraft. It never went beyond three prototypes and initial test flights, then was abandoned due to high costs and political factors. The German designers involved had to leave Egypt after death threats from the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

Yemen War

The Yemeni Royalist side received support from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, while the Yemeni Republicans were supported by Egypt. The fighting was fierce, featuring heavy urban combat as well as battles in the countryside. Both foreign irregular and conventional forces were also involved.^[12]

Strategically, the Yemen War was an opportunity for Israel. It stagnated Egyptian military plans for the reinforcement of Sinai, by shifting the Egyptian military focus to another theater of operation. Egyptian historian Mohammed Heikal writes that Israel provided arms shipments and also cultivated relationships with hundreds of European mercenaries fighting for the Royalists in Yemen. Israel established a covert air-supply bridge from Djibouti to North Yemen. The war also gave the Israelis the opportunity to assess Egyptian combat tactics and adaptability.

Egyptian air and naval forces began bombing and shelling raids in the Saudi southwestern city of Najran and the coastal town of Jizan, which were staging points for royalist forces. In response, the Saudis purchased British Thunderbird surface-to-air missiles and developed their King Khalid airfield near Khamis Mushait. Riyadh also attempted to convince the United States to respond on its behalf. In Operation Hard Surface, President Kennedy sent jet fighters and bombers to Dhahran Air Base from May 1963,^[13] demonstrating to Egypt the seriousness of his commitment to defending U.S. interests in Saudi Arabia.

Six-Day War

Israeli troops examine a destroyed Egyptian Mig 21

In the 1967 Six-Day War the EAF's combat capacity was severely damaged after the Israeli Air Force destroyed its air bases in a preemptive strike codenamed Operation Focus. During the last four days the EAF conducted only 150 sorties against Israeli units throughout the Sinai.^[14] After the war, the Soviet Union replenished EAF stocks, sending large numbers of aircraft and advisors to Egypt to revitalise the EAF.

The EAF's first air-to-air victory is claimed by MiG-21 pilot Nabil Shoukry against a Mirage IIICJ fighter over Inchas air base two hours following the first Israeli strike.^[15]

On 8 June 1967, a pair of Egyptian MiG-21s engaged a pair of Mirage IIIs over the Sinai. In the ensuing dogfight, the EAF's 1st Lt Fakhry El-Ashmawy managed to down one of the Mirage fighters while the second Mirage crashed from fuel exhaustion.^[16]

Initial Egyptian claims were even more inflated, but were later reduced to 72 Israeli aircraft destroyed. The IDF/AF admitted 45 losses on all fronts, while outside observers put the figure between 55 and 60. Years later, unofficial Israelis sources admitted ten IDF/AF aircraft downed in air combat on all fronts. Independent sources put this figure at 11, plus another resulting in fuel exhaustion. In fact, several Israeli aircraft reportedly downed by ground fire probably fell to Egyptian fighters.^[17]

Nigerian Civil War

During the Nigerian Civil War, Nigeria received air support from pilots of the Egyptian Air Force, who launched air raids against the self-declared republic of Biafra. The Egyptian pilots flew aircraft procured by the Soviet Union, air force Mikoyan MiG-17 fighters and Ilyushin Il-28 bombers.^[18]

War of Attrition

An F-4 Phantom from VF-102 intercepting an Egyptian Air Force Tupolev Tu-16 Badger over the Mediterranean Sea, 1972

The years between 1967 and 1970 involved a prolonged campaign of attrition against Israel. The EAF went through a massive construction program to build new air bases in order to increase its survivability. During this period Egypt also received replacements for losses it suffered during the Six Day War. The EAF was the first branch of the Egyptian armed forces to achieve full combat readiness.

On 15 July 1967, six Israeli Mirage III fighters violated Egyptian airspace and orders were given for two formations each consisted of two MiG-21 fighters to intercept, another formation of 2 MiGs piloted by Major Fawzy Salama & Lieutenant Medhat Zaki was ready in West Cairo airbase. Indeed, the formation took off, but for protecting the airbase rather than supporting the interception.

October War 1973

An Israeli Mirage, shot down over the west bank of the canal during the battle of Ismailia

During the initial surprise air attack of the Yom Kippur War, over 220 EAF aircraft took part. Unlike their Syrian counterparts, EAF aircraft evaded Israeli radars by flying below detection height. EAF aircraft were held in reserve after that point, mainly concentrating on airfield defence in conjunction with the SA-3 'Goa', while the more mobile SA-6 'Gainful' protected Egyptian forces at low and medium level, aided by the ZSU-23-4 and shoulder-held SA-7 SAMs.

Despite these limitations, the EAF conducted offensive sorties from time to time. The Su-7BM was used for quick strafe attacks on Israeli columns and the Mirage IIIE (sometimes confused with the Mirage 5), donated by Libya, carried out long-range attacks deep inside Sinai at Bir Gifgafa.

However, when Israeli armoured forces used a gap between the two Egyptian armies to cross the Suez Canal (Operation Stouthearted Men), they destroyed several Egyptian SAM sites, forcing the EAF into battle against the IAF. The EAF claimed victories and continued to contest IAF operations, while also launching attacks on Israeli ground forces on the East Bank of the Suez Canal. In most of these engagements, Egyptian MiG-21s (of all types) challenged Israeli Mirage IIICJs or Neshers.^[19]

The IAF did not operate freely and did not have complete air supremacy it enjoyed during the previous conflict, the 1967 war. Egyptian MiGs were used with better efficiency than before which included the tactics and lessons learned from the 1967 war.^[20]

It was during this war that the EAF applied the lessons it earlier learnt from the Israelis. A 32-year-old deputy MiG-21 regiment commander who has been flying since he was 15 recalls: "During the war of attrition, the Israeli air force had a favorite ambush tactic", he told Aviation Week and Space Technology. "They would penetrate with two aircraft at medium altitude where they would be quickly picked up by radar, We would scramble four or eight to attack them. But they had another dozen fighters trailing at extremely low altitude below radar coverage. As we climbed to the attack they would zoom up behind and surprise us. My regiment lost MiGs to this ambush tactic three times. But we learned the lesson and practiced the same tactics. In the final fights over Deversoir, we ambushed some Mirages the same way, and my own 'finger four' formation shot down four Mirages with the loss of one MiG."^[21]

The Egyptian Air Force commander during the war was then-Air Marshal Hosni Mubarak. On 14 October 1973 one of many Egyptian/Israeli air engagements took place. Initial Egyptian reports that 15 Israeli aircraft had been destroyed.^[22] on the day of "Air battle of Mansoura". Later on, the Egyptian government changed the country's "Air Force Day" from 2 November to 14 October, to commemorate the Mansourah air battle.^[22] Mubarak was even promoted and feted as a national hero after the war, It was estimated that over 2200 take offs were done by the Egyptian Air Force throughout the war that included dogfighting and ground attacks.^[23]

EAF MiG17

Shaba I

During the Shaba I crisis in Zaire on 1977, Egyptian Air Force provided 50 pilots and technicians, who operated Mirage jets for the Zairian Air Force.^[24]

Libyan–Egyptian War

During the 1977 Libyan–Egyptian War, there were some skirmishes between Libyan and Egyptian fighters.^[25] In one instance, two Libyan Air Force MiG-23MS engaged two EAF MiG-21MFs that had been upgraded to carry Western weaponry. The Libyan pilots made the mistake of trying to manoeuvre with the more nimble Egyptian fighters, and one MiG-23MS was shot down by EAF Maj. Sal Mohammad, while the other Libyan aircraft used its speed advantage to escape.

Camp David Accords and Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty

Egyptian president Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed the Camp David Accords, Egypt would receive US$1.3 Billion military aid while Israel would receive US$3.1 Billion in aid. Ever since Egypt signed its peace treaty with Israel, Egypt shifted to American weaponry and drifted away from the Soviet style weapons. In March 1982, Egypt received its first 12 F-16 fighter Jets for its inventory.

From 1980 the EAF was involved in the joint U.S.-Egyptian biannual Exercise Bright Star.^[26]

Sinai Insurgency

The Egyptian Air Force operated on a large scale during the Sinai insurgency which commenced in 2011. AH-64 Apache helicopters and F-16 jet fighters bombed numerous militant targets on almost a daily basis.^[27]

Second Libyan Civil War

During the Second Libyan Civil War there were conflicting reports that Egyptian warplanes bombed Islamist militias in support of the government based in Tobruk. The foreign ministry denied any involvement in the conflict although unnamed Egyptian military officials claimed otherwise.^[28] Egypt tightened security on Libyan border following mysterious air strikes.^[29] Egyptian forces near the Libyan border have been put on high alert following airstrikes on Jan 10 from unidentified fighter jets inside Libya. The fighter jets struck Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) targets inside Libya, according to news reports.^[30] The Libyan coastal city of Sirte has served as ISIL's capital in North Africa since the terror group seized the city last summer.^[31]

After receiving three MiG-21MFs and three Mi-8s from Egypt just half a year ago, it appears the Libyan Air Force is now further strengthened by two MiG-21MFs from the same source. The former EAF mounts are a welcome addition to the under-equipped Libyan Air Force, which is currently waging a war against Libya Dawn, Ansar al-Sharia and even the Islamic State, the latter centered around the Libyan city of Derna.^[32]

On 6 March 2016, Egypt and France began on Sunday a joint military exercise termed as the "Ramses-2016" in the coastal city of Alexandria along the Mediterranean.^[33]^[34]^[35] The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is steaming through the Red Sea on its way to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal for joint maneuvers with the Egyptian air force and navy in preparation for a reduced coalition offensive against Islamic State's deepening grip on Libya.^[33]^[36]

2015 Airstrikes in Libya

The February 2015 Egyptian airstrikes in Libya against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) positions in Libya took place on 16 February 2015, and were triggered by a video released by ISIL in Libya a day earlier, depicting the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians from Egypt.

Within hours, the Egyptian Air Force responded with airstrikes against ISIL training camps and weapons stockpiles^[37] in retaliation for the killings.^[38] Warplanes acting under orders from the Libyan government also struck targets in Derna, reportedly in coordination with Egypt.^[39] It is believed that more than eight EAF F-16 jet fighters were used for the strikes, including the newly joined "block 52" variants.

The airstrikes had allegedly killed up to 81 ISIL militants,^[40]^[41] including three of the leadership, in the coastal cities of Derna and Sirte. Libyan media reported that at least 35 more Egyptians had been rounded up by ISIL in retaliation for the air raids.

2015 Military Intervention in Yemen

An airstrike in Sana'a on 11 May 2015

Egyptian Air Forces are participating in a Saudi-led joint regional military operation to halt the advance of Houthi rebels in Yemen,^[42] Egypt's presidency announced on 2015 March 25 in a statement. the Egyptian Air Force participated in airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen.^[43]

Egypt's military participation "through elements of the Egyptian air and navy forces" aims to support the Saudi-led regional coalition to restore stability in Yemen "under legitimate leadership", according to the Egyptian presidency's statement.^[44]

The Egyptian air force supported pro-government forces when they attacked Al Anad Air Base in the south of Yemen. "EAF and paratroopers aerial supported Yemeni ground forces who have now seized the military base killing scores of Houthi rebels".^[45]

2017 Airstrikes in Libya

On May 26, 2017, armed men traveling in pickup trucks gunned down 28 Coptic Christians and wounded 26 as the Christians were on their way to visit a monastery in Egypt’s Minya province, The Islamic State claimed responsibility for this attack. That same evening, Egypt announced that its air force had carried out six air raids on ISIS camps near the Libyan city of Derna. The strikes involved F-16C/D Block 52s covered by at least two Dassault Rafales.^[46]

Structure

Abu Suweir

Mansurah

Aswan

Zaqaziq

Beni Suef

Bilbays

Almaza

Cairo/Intl

Cairo/West

Minya

Fayid

G-e-Basur

Hurghada

Jiyanklis

Kom Awshim

Mersa Matruh

Jandali

class=notpageimage|

Air bases of the Egyptian Air Force:

Egyptian Air Force bases

Air bases

Source:^[47]

Abu Sultan Air Base
Abu Suweir Air Base
Al Khatatbah Air Base
Al Mansurah Air Base
Almaza Air Base
Aswan International Airport (Aswan Air Base)
Az Zaqaziq Air Base
Beni Suef Air Base
Bilbays Air Base
Bir Gifgafa Airfield
Borg El Arab International Airport (Borg-el-Arab/Intl Air Base)
Cairo International Airport (Cairo/Intl Air Base)
Cairo West Air Base
Dakhla Air Base
Daraw Air Base
El Alamein International Airport (El Alamein Air Base)
El Arish International Airport (El Arish Air Base)
El Minya Air Base
Fayid Air Base
Gebel el Basur Air Base (Berigat)
Habata Air Base
Hurghada International Airport (Hurghada Air Base)
Ismailia Air Base
Jiyanklis Air Base
Kibrit Air Base
Kom Awshim Air Base
Marsa Matruh International Airport (Mersha Matruh Air Base)
Quwaysina Air Base
Ras Banas (Ras Banas Air Base)
Uthman Air Base
Wadi Abu Rish Air Base
Wadi al Jandali Air Base

Reserve bases

Abu Simbel Airport - no units
Al Raymaniyah Air Base - no units
As Salihiyah Air Base - no units
Bir Abu Rahal Air Base - no units
Misheifa Air Base - no units
Sidi Barrani Air Base - reserve
Wadi Abu Shihat Air Base - reserve

Silver Stars Aerobatic Team

Egyptian K-8 Used by Silver Stars at the 2015 Malta International Airshow

Silver Stars is the Egyptian Air Force aerobatic display team flying 10 K-8E Karakorum jet trainer aircraft painted in white, red and black colors. All planes are equipped with red, white and black smoke generators. During the shows, the Silver Stars performs eight different formations along with several single aircraft passes. Aircraft #6325 (Star 1) carries the name "Sharaf" after the team leader. Another team's planes also carried the pilots names painted at the K-8 nose. All pilots are flying instructors at the Egyptian Air Academy based in Belbeis Airport.

The Egyptian Air Force demonstration team "The Silver Stars" was formed in the mid of 1974 to participate at "October War" anniversary. Pilots of the team were flying instructors at the Air force College and flew four L-29 planes painted in dark green and brown and yellow – standard color scheme. In 1984, the Sliver Stars aerobatic team switched to six Alpha Jet training airplanes. In the following year, team's planes became nine. In 2003, the team made the switch to the K-8E Karakorum trainer and from 2005 was led by Group Captain Mostafa Fathi. Since 2010, the team is now flying ten aircraft – nine plus one solo.

Aircraft

The Camp David Accords caused a gradual change in the overall composition of the EAF. The EAF began to rely more on US, French and in some cases on Chinese aircraft.

The addition of these aircraft from multiple sources along with the ones already in the EAF inventory caused increasing serviceability problems. In 1982, the EAF began receiving General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters under the Peace Vector Program. Turkish Aerospace / TUSAS produced 46 F-16s for the Egyptian Air Force between 1993 and 1995 under the agreement signed between the Governments of Turkey and the Arab Republic of Egypt.^[48]^[49]^[50] As of 2015, the EAF received a total of 220 F-16s. 18 aircraft were lost in accidents and 7 F-16A/Bs were grounded.

These grounded F-16A/Bs were later overhauled, upgraded and returned to active service, additional F-16s were acquired to replace those lost. In 1986, the EAF received the French Mirage 2000 fighters, one was lost in a training accident. Egypt also license-built Alphajets, Tucano airplanes and Westland Gazelle helicopters.

In 1987 the E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) entered service and was upgraded with advanced AN/APS-145 radars. The EAF also upgraded its F-16 fighters to C/D standard that enabled them to fire the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.

The EAF currently operates 46 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters 36 of which were initially delivered as the AH-64A variant but were later upgraded to AH-64D standard.^[51] On 22 May 2009, Egypt requested the purchase of 36 Apache Arrowhead sensor systems as part of an order for 12 Block II AH-64D Apache helicopters. The number was later reduced to 10 Helicopters. 74 Grob G-115's and 120 K-8 Karakorum trainers were also ordered.^[52]

Modernization

Egypt made several deals with Ukrainian companies for the modernization of its old MiG-21 fleet but these deals were not implemented, and all old MiG-21 fighters were taken out of service.

On 3 March 2010, the EAF ordered 20 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft.^[53] The contract was set to complete in 2013 and included 16 single-seat F-16C and four twin-seat F-16D aircraft. On 14 August 2012, the US Defense Department awarded a major contract to facilitate the procurement of F-16s by the EAF. The Pentagon selected American International Contractors for a $66.6 million contract to upgrade infrastructure for Egypt's order of 20 F-16 Block 52 aircraft, estimated at $2.2 billion. On 24 July 2013, the U.S. announced it would halt deliveries of the F-16s in response to the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état.^[54] In March 2015 the US announced the resumption of the deliveries of the F-16s, the last of which was delivered in October 2015.^[55]^[56]

On 16 February 2015, Egypt became the Dassault Rafale's first international customer when it officially ordered 24 Rafales,^[57] as part of a larger deal (including a FREMM multipurpose frigate and a supply of missiles) worth US$5.9 billion (€5.2 billion).^[58]^[59]^[60] In July 2015, the official ceremony, marking the acceptance by Egypt of its first 3 Rafales, was held at the Dassault Aviation flight test center in Istres.^[61] In January 2016, Egypt received three more Rafale fighters, raising the number of Rafales in service to six.^[62] All six aircraft are two-seat models and were diverted from delivery to the French Air Force; Egypt's total 24-plane order is for 8 single-seat models and 16 two-seaters.^[63]

In April 2014, it was reported that Egypt planned to order 24 MiG-35 fighters as part of an arms deal with Russia.^[64]^[65] MiG head Sergei Korotkov said at the 2015 Aero India exposition they will provide the fighters if Egypt orders them and are ready to negotiate.^[66] Russia agreed on a contract with Egypt for 46 MiG-29M/M2 fighters and it was expected to be worth up to US$2 billion.^[67]^[68]^[69] Russia planned to supply the Egyptian MiG-29M/M2s with 40 high precision targeting pods. Deliveries would have begun in 2016.^[70]

Russia and Egypt signed a contract for delivery of 50 Ka-52 helicopters.^[71] The Ka-52's were equipped with the new OES-52 targeting system allowing it to launch Vikhr and Ataka anti-tank missiles using laser target direction systems. The execution of the contract started in 2016 and lasted until 2018.^[72]^[73]

SAGEM and AOI-Aircraft Factory signed a collaboration agreement concerning the Patroller UAV. AOI-Aircraft Factory could handle final assembly of the drones and developed a dedicated training center in Egypt to train staff for the operation and maintenance of the drone systems.^[74]

On 18 April 2016, Egypt signed a contract with France for the sale of a military telecommunications satellite after discussions between the Egyptian and French presidents and between the Ministers of Defense, which took place during a visit by French President Francois Hollande to Cairo. The satellite were supplied by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. The price of the contract wasn't announced but was estimated at 600 million euros.^[75]

In September 2016, Russian Helicopters delivered the first 3 refurbished Mi-8T helicopters to the Egyptian Air Force after a major overhaul. The company also announced that the necessary equipment for the retooling and upgrading of the Helwan Factory aircraft repair plant had been prepared for shipment and that the Egyptian service technicians had completed training.^[76]

In August 2019, the Royal Jordanian Air Force transferred two of its Ilyushin Il-76MF aircraft to the Egyptian Air Force. The two aircraft are unique because they are the only stretched version of the famous Il-76 air-frame.^[77]

On 4 May 2021, France agreed to sell Egypt an additional 30 Dassault Rafale warplanes in a 4 billion euro (US$4.8 billion) deal.^[78]

On 15 March 2022, the United States agreed to sell Egypt variants of F-15Es, the offer's amount of planes and price is to be determined.^[79]

In September 2024 Egypt announced it would buy Chengdu J-10Cs to replace their American F-16 fighter jets.^[80]

Current inventory

A Rafale fighter

An Egyptian C-130H aircraft

An Egyptian F-16 Fighting Falcon

An Egyptian An-74 in flight

An Egyptian CH-47D Chinook

An Egyptian RQ-20 Puma UAV

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In service	Notes
Combat aircraft
Alpha Jet	France / Germany	light attack		36^[81]^[2]	27 units are dedicated to advanced training
Dassault Rafale	France / Egypt	multirole	DM/EM	24^[2]	30 on order^[82]^[83]^[78]
F-16 Fighting Falcon	United States	multirole	A/B/C/D	218^[2]	50 C/D variants provide conversion training^[81]
MiG-29M	Russia	multirole	M/M2	43^[81]^[2]	12 used for conversion training.
Mirage 2000	France	multirole	EM/BM	19^[81]^[2]	2 used for conversion training
AEW&C
E-2 Hawkeye	United States	AEW	E-2C	7^[2]
Transport
Antonov An-74	Ukraine	transport	An-74TK-200A	3^[81]
Beechcraft 1900	United States	transport		8^[84]	4 assigned to electronic-warfare
CASA C-295	Spain	transport		24^[81]
C-130 Hercules	United States	transport / SAR / ELINT^[85]	C-130H	23^[81]	2 used for ELINT.^[81]
C-130J Super Hercules	United States	transport	C-130J-30	3^[81]	12 ordererd^[86]^[87]
DHC-5 Buffalo	Canada	transport		8^[84]	Being withdrawn from service.^[81]
Ilyushin Il-76	Russia	heavy transport	Il-76MF	2^[84]	obtained from Royal Jordanian Air Force^[88]
Helicopter
Aérospatiale Gazelle	France	scout / anti-armor	SA342K	65^[81]
Aérospatiale Gazelle	France	scout / anti-armor	SA342L	5^[81]
AgustaWestland AW109	Italy	light utility / VIP transport		3^[84]
AgustaWestland AW139	Italy	light utility / VIP / SAR		4^[84]	2 used for SAR.^[81]
AgustaWestland AW149	Italy	utility / VIP transport		5^[81]	6 on order^[84]
AgustaWestland AW189	Italy	utility / SAR			8 on order^[84]
AH-64 Apache	United States	attack	AH-64D	45^[81]
CH-47 Chinook	United States	transport / CSAR	CH-47D	16^[81]
CH-47 Chinook	United States	transport / CSAR	CH-47C	3^[81]
Kamov Ka-50	Russia	scout / anti-armor	Ka-52	46^[81]
Mil Mi-8	Soviet Union	utility	Mi-8T	40^[81]
Mil Mi-17	Soviet Union	utility	Mi-17-1V	3^[81]
Mil Mi-24	Soviet Union	attack	Mi-24V	13^[81]
SH-2G Super Seasprite	United States	ASW / maritime patrol		10^[84]
Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk	United States	VIP transport		4^[81]
UH-60 Black Hawk	United States	VIP transport	UH-60L	4^[81]
Westland Sea King	United Kingdom	transport / utility	Commando Mk.2/1	23^[84]
Trainer aircraft
Aero L-39	Czech Republic	primary trainer		10^[81]
Embraer EMB-312	Brazil	trainer		54^[84]
Grob G 115	Germany	basic trainer		74^[84]
K-8	China/Pakistan	jet trainer		119^[84]
UAV
ASN-209	China	surveillance			locally produced under license^[89]
6 October^[90]	Egypt	reconnaissance / attack
E-June 30^[91]	Egypt	reconnaissance / attack
R4E-50 skyeye	United States	reconnaissance
CAIG Wing Loong^[92]	China	reconnaissance
CAIG Wing Loong II^[92]	China	reconnaissance
CASC Rainbow^[93]	China	surveillance	CH-5
Yabhon United 40	UAE	surveillance			locally produced under license^[89]
CASIC WJ^[93]	China	surveillance	WJ-700
RQ-20 Puma^[94]^[95]	United States	surveillance			hand-launched system
324 Scarab^[96]	United States	surveillance
Lipán M3 ^[97]	Argentina	surveillance
Meggitt Banshee -^[98]	United Kingdom	target drone

Historical aircraft

Future

Egypt is in an advanced stage of negotiations for the purchase of the Russian strategic air lifter Il-76MD-90A. The first export contracts of the aircraft were to be signed within 4–6 months after the MAKS-2015 air show.^[99]

In 2014, Egypt planned to sign a large arms deal with Russia for the purchase of 24 MiG-35 fighter jets.^[100]^[101]^[102] In February 2015, MiG Director General Sergei Korotkov announced that the company was ready to supply the MiG-35 jets to Egypt should the country request them.^[66] However, in April 2015, Egypt signed a $2 billion contract for the purchase of 46 MiG-29M/M2 multi-role fighters instead.^[103]^[104]

Rosoboronexport and the Russian Helicopters holding are engaged in consultations with their Egyptian partners concerning a possible acquisition of Kamov Ka-52K ship-based helicopters for the 2 Mistral-class helicopter carriers that Egypt has agreed to buy from France.^[105] An Egyptian Air Force delegation had access to the helicopter before the official opening of the MAKS-2015.^[106]

In March 2019, it was reported that Egypt had reached an initial agreement with Russia for the sale of "over 20" Su-35 air superiority fighters in a deal valued at about US$2 billion. Deliveries were expected to begin as early as 2020 or 2021.^[107]^[108] However, deputy head of the Rosoboronexport Sergei Kornev denied any contract regarding the supply of Su-35 fighters to Egypt has been signed.^[109] In May 2020 Russia reportedly started producing the Su-35 under a contract with Egypt that was signed in 2018. Pictures taken in July 2020 reportedly showed five Su-35 in EAF camouflage on their delivery voyage. There was also a possibility of future orders for more Su-35 and the new MiG-35.^[110]

As of January 5, 2022, Egypt, Algeria, and Indonesia have cancelled plans of purchasing the SU-35.^[111]

On March 15, 2022, The United States offered to sell the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle to Egypt. The offer's amount of planes and price is to be determined.^[79]

In September 2024 it was reported that Egypt would buy Chengdu J-10Cs to replace their American F-16 fighter jets.^[80]

Munitions

Aircraft insignia

The roundel of the EAF consists of three circles, with the outside one being red, the middle one white, and the inner one being black, matching the Egyptian flag. Former roundels of the EAF included a similar variant with two green stars used from 1961 to 1973, and one with the old Egyptian crescent and three stars on a green background. Changes in markings reflect political changes.

Roundels


1932–1932	1932–1932	1932–1945	1945–1958	Proposed (1952)	1958–1972	1972–present

Tail marking


1932–1945	1945–1958	1958–1972	1972–1984	1984–present