I think it will be excellent if Egypt signs the contract for the additional 12 Rafales to make the total 36, which technically gives the EAF 3 squadrons. Larger airforces will have around 18 to 20, possibly 24 fighters per squadron but Egypt seems to designate 12 per, hence the original order of 24 and now an additional 12 (if it goes through.)
I do think the production of 24 complete air-frames per month from Rafale is extremely ambitious, The SC, TBH. It seems the UAE might also get in on a Rafale order. That would really put the strain on them. Is that even possible for a number like that? How ironic that for 20+ years or so, the French couldn't get anyone to buy this fighter jet and now.....? It might have a hard time keeping up with orders!
Thanks to Egypt despite India choosing it before. I think it's pretty obvious that the deal with Egypt blew the doors wide open for Rafale.
I would also be a bit cautious about the Su-35 or 30 being acquired since it's only a rumor and those can be abound in Egypt lol. "29" units is also a very odd number. Even if there is any truth to it, I'm not convinced it would be a better option for the EAF. Despite how terrific that aircraft is. In this day and age there needs to be more emphasis on procuring fighters with lesser RCS, and the Su-35 is a very large aircraft. It would make sense for countries who already operate a line of Su's, such as Algeria or Malaysia. But for Egypt? After already committing to 50+/- MiG-35's? Why add a different and much larger aircraft to one's airforce? I would invest in more Rafales in the F4 standard. At least that has better RCS than the Su-35 and is already part of the inventory and a superb fighter. It just makes more sense. The only good thing I see coming from the Su-35 is it's Irbis radar and weapon's payload. That might have a fighting chance against something like the F-35 but IMO, the Su-35 would be spotted a lot sooner than the other. If it's mission is not geared for air superiority, then why purchase it? Egypt would be much better off sticking with the Rafale or increasing its MiG-35's for good, rugged and functional 4+ GEN BVR fighters or go in the way of UACV's as that is the future. At this point, adding another airframe such as the Su-35 doesn't make much sense. I know I'll be in the minority with this thinking because of the majority's infatuation with the Su-30/35 family of fighters. I'm a big fan as well, but you have to look at this particular situation from a pragmatic standpoint.
The AIM-7 Sparrow on the Egyptian F-16's is really old tech. It's probably the least effective BVR missile out there. I have my doubts on the V-upgrade that it will include any BVR upgrades to Egyptian F-16's. That would mean the software and hardware upgrade and an inventory of what, 500+/- AIM 120 AMRAAM's? I believe that was the quantity Pakistan got for a lesser overall quantity of F-16s, so it would have to be at least that many. In that case, I strongly think that even if Israel is getting the F-35, they will most certainly scream about that. They're not known to be passive about these kinds of things and Trump's indication to leave the Palestinian issue up to Netanyahu and the Israelis is proof that he will be just like all the other US presidents when it comes to bowing down to Israel. I hope I'm proven wrong, but it seems very unlikely. If you think about it, how was Egypt able to get into the modern BVR club? It had to go somewhere else besides the US where Israel's influence is not as strong. I bet the Israelis are already alarmed at this incredible surge of Egyptian military equipment. We're even yet to see what the A-A weapon's package for the MiG-35's will be.