This is a pretty interesting paragraph. If we were to assume this article is accurate (although there isn't any other source that I am aware of that gives similar information), then there's 3 particularly interesting points here. 1, the number of aircraft is nowhere near the 40+ that so many predicted which really sheds light on how easily things can be exaggerated by some. Gotta be much more pragmatic and understanding that the US doesn't offer such large numbers on an initial deal for an aircraft like this. 2 it says "purchasing" which means Egypt will be paying for these now and they're not part of the aid package. Since when has Egypt ever paid for any purchase from the US? And 3, the last line "
came in a move to follow Cairo cancelling the Su-35 order from Russia" suggests that the Su-deal is cancelled. Words and sentence structure are very important, especially when the author & publication claims this was a "prepared 389-word report."
Good for him! I knew this man was a great choice for air force lieutenant commander.
Shame on the United States for insulting a great nation and ally like Egypt with an offer that would cause a former F-4 Phantom pilot and now head of the EAF to make such a distinction. This also means that the current MiG-29M/M2s in the EAF are excellent machines and have tremendous A-G weapons which we know of and very decent off-boresight short range missile in the R-37/34, but not the greatest in BVR missiles, unfortunately. But it is a good testament to the EAF MiGs and we can tell how they like them a lot the way they're flying them regularly and even taking them to Greece and Saudi Arabia on exercises.
"Overpriced"? That certainly means Egypt is paying for them. If that's the case, what nerve to offer a crapped down version for top dollar!? And weaker than the piece of crap Israeli F-16!? That's even worst. And downgraded EW? Are they not aware that Egypt already possesses SPECTRA on the Rafale as well as sensor fusion and one of the most advanced EW suite out of any fighter out there?
And control over flight, deployment and basing! Basing!? Why the frig would they care which base the EAF would want to use for them? That is about as absurd as it gets.
"Expects them to agree to the SALE"? I truly hope that the EAF sends them a letter that reads only one line, in huge, bold letters as such.
KICK ROCKS, THEN GO POUND SAND!
Absolutely. It's not surprising that the US made such a horrible offer and it also said "take it or leave it" which is even more of an insult, as if the EAF doesn't have any other choice if it denies their offer. It's so insulting it's ridiculous and a far cry from what we were anticipating the EAF would want; AIM-120C-7 or D (I think Pakistan has the D if I'm not mistaken), and equipping 100 F-16s with them as well as JDAMs & AIM-9X lool. Instead they offer a turkey turd.
Here's the ultimate question that really never gets discussed in detail - why is the US so apprehensive about Egypt obtaining advanced platforms & weapons? Despite other countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar receiving top of the line platforms from their super advanced F-15s & F-16s to Apache Longbows to AIM-120 missiles and tankers and advanced AWACs etc. and none of them have any peace agreements with Israel like Egypt has honored for 40 years and these other countries don't even recognize the apartheid state. So why the heck is Egypt treated like such a pariah?