Egyptian Armed Forces

[Gomig-21]

Yes and I feel its directed for use of these aircraft, on our Eastern front facing China more than the West.

The high altitude engine start points towards that, as most of the airfields there are very high above sea level. SAR too helps given the atmosphere there I believe, for day and night detection capability.

The terrain on that side is very difficult to operate aircrafts.

I remember that! Wasn't it one of the MMRCA conditions in the competition that winded down being just between the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Rafale, to which the former had issues with staring its EJ-200 engines in those high mountains of India?

I remember reading something to that effect which was a bit surprising TBH. What was impressive was the SNECMA M88 not having that issue. I thought for sure the F/A-18IN would win the competition since I remember a lot of enthusiasm from India regarding American jets coming to the IAF.

Actually, didn't all the competing aircraft except the Gripen and Rafale have engine starting issues? Or was it re-starting that was the problem? I vaguely remember which one it was since it was way back in 2008-2010 or so. It seemed strange that the GE F-414 would have that issue.

Believe it or not, I even remember discussing this with a Thunderbird pilot at one of many airshows we go to because as we were talking (those guys are super friendly & gentlemen BTW, same with Blue Angels pilots and this one T-Bird pilot actually flew in Egypt with EAF pilots in a training exercise which made the discussion even more fun) I was interested in learning why the EAF, after 220 F-16s with GE engines and already accustomed to maintaining and overhauling them change direction and go with the Pratt & Whitney for its order of 24 Block-52s. I thought maybe the choice was that the GE might've had issues in Egypt's super-hot climate as a result of India's MMRCA experience. I remember him saying he didn't know much about it (SOP lol) but that it was more likely a combination of the high levels of humidity and low oxygen levels in India's higher elevations than Egypt's hot climate.

Then the F/A-18E/F/IN lost again to the Rafale M in India's recent bid for its Navy carrier fleet. That was almost a no-brainer choice specifically because of the commonality with the land-based Rafales.

 

[indushek]

I remember that! Wasn't it one of the MMRCA conditions in the competition that winded down being just between the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Rafale, to which the former had issues with staring its EJ-200 engines in those high mountains of India?

I remember reading something to that effect which was a bit surprising TBH. What was impressive was the SNECMA M88 not having that issue. I thought for sure the F/A-18IN would win the competition since I remember a lot of enthusiasm from India regarding American jets coming to the IAF.

Actually, didn't all the competing aircraft except the Gripen and Rafale have engine starting issues? Or was it re-starting that was the problem? I vaguely remember which one it was since it was way back in 2008-2010 or so. It seemed strange that the GE F-414 would have that issue.

Believe it or not, I even remember discussing this with a Thunderbird pilot at one of many airshows we go to because as we were talking (those guys are super friendly & gentlemen BTW, same with Blue Angels pilots and this one T-Bird pilot actually flew in Egypt with EAF pilots in a training exercise which made the discussion even more fun) I was interested in learning why the EAF, after 220 F-16s with GE engines and already accustomed to maintaining and overhauling them change direction and go with the Pratt & Whitney for its order of 24 Block-52s. I thought maybe the choice was that the GE might've had issues in Egypt's super-hot climate as a result of India's MMRCA experience. I remember him saying he didn't know much about it (SOP lol) but that it was more likely a combination of the high levels of humidity and low oxygen levels in India's higher elevations than Egypt's hot climate.

Then the F/A-18E/F/IN lost again to the Rafale M in India's recent bid for its Navy carrier fleet. That was almost a no-brainer choice specifically because of the commonality with the land-based Rafales.

Yes the issue was with cold start of engine at those levels, I need to recheck my sources though.

Problem at those altitudes is that, the aircraft's T/W ratio has to be at least more than 1 if not more. This is in addition to the cold start of course.

True that with Rafale Airforce version coming in, the GOI chose Rafale over Super Hornet. The IN clearly mentioned that, they are fully satisfied with both Aircrafts. Both of them satisfied all the necessary parameters, but in the end given Rafale's induction earlier into IA won it on the basis of commonality for Rafale M.

I think on average the heights of air bases on those fronts ranges from 5000ft above sea level to 13000 ft or something. So its incredible that the M88 engines managed to work on most of these, along with the hot deserts of Rajasthan on Pakistan border and humid conditions on other sides of India.

 

[BON PLAN]

 

[BON PLAN]

What was impressive was the SNECMA M88 not having that issue.

India asked an improvement on it to start higher and colder.
So M88 was probably the best or one of the best, but not perfect.

I thought for sure the F/A-18IN would win the competition since I remember a lot of enthusiasm from India regarding American jets coming to the IAF.

SH18 is not so nice :
Only 2 export customers : very surprising for a US jet.
SH18 loose to Rafale M in the indian stop gap contest.

That was almost a no-brainer choice specifically because of the commonality with the land-based Rafales.

IAF and IN are not so keen to collaborate.
Reality is that Rafale is impressive when SH is heavier and less capable.
The outward cantered external loads on SH is clearly the indication of something wrong in the design. It cost in range and in missile fatique.

 

[The SC]

Egypt sends the “Mistral” to Libya to provide relief..

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi decided to send the “Mistral” to the coast of Libya, to work as a field hospital and provide relief services to residents affected by the floods that caused the collapse of two dams in the city of Derna.

The field hospital's departments are spread over an area of 750 square meters, and include two operating rooms, an X-ray room, and a dental department. Mistral also carries out evacuation missions and provides logistical support to the affected areas.

 

[The SC]

The closing stage of Bright Star 2023

 

[Gomig-21]

A bunch of cool Bright Star stuff. All these close, joint training exercises with many other members from other nations are beneficial in learning how to develop the skills needed to work with allies and friends along with improving individual skills. They're not only designed to focus on weapons and tactics, but the communication aspect also since it's just as important. The language barrier is a challenge in joint operations.

US, Jordanian and Egyptian army members work together to inspect a downed unmanned aerial system for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) contamination during a joint contaminated downed unmanned air system exercise.

Indian & Egyptian army members training in CBRNE chamber exercise in detecting chemical agents.

Indian Air Force IL-78 refueling EAF MiG-29M/M2s

https://twitter.com/x/status/1701487078897225753

Saudi & Jordanian special forces.

British & Jordanian Special Forces, Cypriot Navy Seals and South African Recces participating in a static shooting competition at Mohammad Naguib military base.

Egyptian Thunderbolt Commando (Sa'aka) engaging targets with a SIG516 alongside his Saudi counterpart in a small-arms reflexive fire drill.

Egyptian Thunderbolt sniper with an M110 SASS assisted by a US SF spotter in sniper team target training at the MN military base.

Egyptian Elite Tactical Police Force Black Cobra (Left) next to Homeland Security Forces Hostage Rescue Force (Right).

Some of those (HRF) guys' very cool training with US Marines SFs.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1699206387698434094

Some of Black Cobra's joint dynamic shooting & training using desert-colored M110 SASS & AK-103s.

US A-10 Warthog and EAF F-16s joint training for A2A refueling qualifications with a US KC10 tanker.

 

[Gomig-21]

BTW, speaking of our Indian brothers, this awesome stuff was back in January! It was never mentioned here but I just happened to see it surfing through X news on Bright Star shhhttttuuuuffff. Very cool cooperation and are the Indian SFs using Israeli micro uzis with extended forward grips? @ minute 0:51.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1618534650724614149

More pics from that Cyclone-1 exercise.

 

[Gomig-21]

Gorgeous pic of EN Mistral supposedly on its way to Libya to aid in the catastrophic flooding disaster. Still packing the pair of Avenger Humvee SAMs. Looks like it's cruising at full knots. Bulbous bow is barely visible.

I think @The SC already posted this, not sure so I apologize if it's being repeated but the video shows a quick glimpse of the Mistral being loaded with aid goods for the affected brothers & sisters in Libya.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1702909896490918259

BTW, remember all the ridiculous theories and accusations from the anti-Sisi crowd who called him all sorts of derogatory and disgusting names and claimed there was absolutely no reason for Egypt to purchase these LHDs and the "real and only reason" was because it was part of his "diabolical plan" to be able to quickly mobilize troops to any part of the country's coastal cities and subdue any protests or uprisings? lmmmmaaaaaaaooooooo.

Hundreds of Egyptian army engineering equipment and vehicles, trucks loaded with over 1000-ton of medical supplies and relief aid, a field hospital, and more than 50 ambulances have been prepared to be deployed in Libya within the coming hours.
Via #Mahmoud Gamal

Looks like they're deploying M1017s Heavy Equipment Trailers (HET) to move those heavy excavators and other large equipment. 26 of them visible in just this pic, wow. Wonder how they're transporting those monsters all the way to Derna.

MashaAllah at the effort Allah yberkhum w'yusturha 3a'l sha3b el Libyi.

And a sizeable human contingent.

A good look at the extensive impact of the floods on Derna.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1701707135015645302

They also sent the EN auxiliary ship (looks like El Halayib) with over 200 tons of relief aid as well as C-130H transport AC with more aid & medical supplies.

Nice look at EGY SAR AW-149s and Chinooks lined up for flight to Libya.

Ya halawa, eh el gamal da!

 

[Ghostkiller]

Gorgeous pic of EN Mistral supposedly on its way to Libya to aid in the catastrophic flooding disaster. Still packing the pair of Avenger Humvee SAMs. Looks like it's cruising at full knots. Bulbous bow is barely visible.

View attachment 954075

View attachment 954102

I think @The SC already posted this, not sure so I apologize if it's being repeated but the video shows a quick glimpse of the Mistral being loaded with aid goods for the affected brothers & sisters in Libya.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1702909896490918259

View attachment 954078
View attachment 954080
View attachment 954079

BTW, remember all the ridiculous theories and accusations from the anti-Sisi crowd who called him all sorts of derogatory and disgusting names and claimed there was absolutely no reason for Egypt to purchase these LHDs and the "real and only reason" was because it was part of his "diabolical plan" to be able to quickly mobilize troops to any part of the country's coastal cities and subdue any protests or uprisings? lmmmmaaaaaaaooooooo.

Hundreds of Egyptian army engineering equipment and vehicles, trucks loaded with over 1000-ton of medical supplies and relief aid, a field hospital, and more than 50 ambulances have been prepared to be deployed in Libya within the coming hours.
Via #Mahmoud Gamal

View attachment 954095
View attachment 954096
View attachment 954097

Looks like they're deploying M1017s Heavy Equipment Trailers (HET) to move those heavy excavators and other large equipment. 26 of them visible in just this pic, wow. Wonder how they're transporting those monsters all the way to Derna.

View attachment 954100

MashaAllah at the effort Allah yberkhum w'yusturha 3a'l sha3b el Libyi.

View attachment 954082

And a sizeable human contingent.

View attachment 954089

A good look at the extensive impact of the floods on Derna.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1701707135015645302

They also sent the EN auxiliary ship (looks like El Halayib) with over 200 tons of relief aid as well as C-130H transport AC with more aid & medical supplies.

View attachment 954105
View attachment 954109
View attachment 954110

View attachment 954111

Nice look at EGY SAR AW-149s and Chinooks lined up for flight to Libya.

View attachment 954076
View attachment 954090
Ya halawa, eh el gamal da!
View attachment 954092
View attachment 954093
View attachment 954094

I am sad that we are still using the Avenger on our Mistrals. Which AD systems were supposedly to be mounted on our LHDs?

 

[Gomig-21]

I am sad that we are still using the Avenger on our Mistrals. Which AD systems were supposedly to be mounted on our LHDs?

Yeah, me too. Especially when they're using them on such a mission where they're going to an arguably hostile environment, and we don't really know what type of CIWS they have? Avenger is for incoming aerial threats but what about fast-attack boats? What about continuous suicide drones? They need some type of rapid firing gun system like the Phalanx that can fire thousands of rounds in seconds/minutes on fast-moving targets that could threaten those big ships. But it's not clear what preventative system they're using for that particular type of threat. A couple of security personnel with AKs is hardly going to do it. The least they can do is have a mounted setup manned 24/7 while docked in potentially dangerous territory.

Even just a 50 cal gun but manned at all critical times.

As far as options, there's a lot out there to chose from.
The Chinese 30mm Type 730 CIWS would work very nicely on the Mistrals

I believe there are 3 or 4 port locations for CIWS on the Mistral. 2 at stern and 1 or 2 at the bow but one of each would need both, guns and missiles.

Auto gun(x2), Ciws(x4), Mistral Air defense(x2[F+D]), Autocannon(x2[F+D]), ASRL(x2[F&D]),EMRG(x1), Rim SM-1(32x2=64), RLS(4x4+2x2=20/4x4=16), BGM-104( x32cell[F+D])+ SM-2(1x64cell[F+D]), Leaser Gun(1x8), SM-3(1x64cell/1x32cell)+Torpedo Launcher(x2), Mk-41 VLS(1x64=64/1x32=32) Mk-56 VLS(2x6=12[F+D])

Obviously VLS wouldn't work which means they'll have to be escorted by Gowind corvettes or any of the frigates in strike groups for major aerial threats and even naval/sea ones.

There were also rumors that they would end up using Russian Pantsir ME since that was most likely the system Russia was going to use on those two exact Mistrals.

Radar, 8 missiles and 2 rapid-firing (gatling) guns on each side would do the trick very nicely. Claimed 20km range for the missiles. They're obviously not in a hurry to do this and I'm sure they're taking precautions aside from the avengers.

 

[Gomig-21]

There's also the Nexter Narwhal 20mm remote-controlled naval weapon station (NWS) which happens to be already installed on the Egyptian MEKO A200 frigates. Automation might be risky.....not sure I guess it depends on how successful it was in testing. Germans usually make excellent stuff so I'm guessing it would work plus commonality is always a good thing.

 

[The SC]

Egypt's new missile wall in 2023

 

[Gomig-21]

Yes, finally some awesome Pakistani Air Force and Egyptian Air Force collaboration. Long time coming and we need to see a lot more of this.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1703382384023142644

Pakistan Air Force JF-17s flanking an EAF F-16.

PAF JF-17s with USAF F-16 & A-10 over Giza in Egypt.

EAF Rafales and F-16s.

USAF F-16s & A-10s and EAF F-16s alongside USAF KC-10.

Apaches, Chinooks and Crocodiles on Mistrals.

Rare to see the Crocs even armed as much as this.

Delivery of something? Or sending something? Either way, nice pic of Gamal Abdel Nasser stern port. Notice the propeller pods sign.

Saudi & Egyptian navy SF onshore off Mistral.

Nice little clip of combined arms with AC/DC "Shoot to Thrill" from Bright Star.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1703722139533148590

US Army M1A2 doing its thing at the Mohammad Naguib tank-training obstacle course.

Anyone have an opinion on a few items in this terrific picture that defines the true spirit of partnership collaboration by interoperability? Which air force do we think the Mirage 2000 in the center rear belongs to? And what on earth is going on with that EAF E-2C Hawkeye lol?

Click on the pic and open in new tab to enlarge.

EAF:
MiG-29M/M2
Rafale DM
F-16 blk 52
E-2C Hawkeye
HAF:
F-16C
Mirage 2000
IAF:
MiG-29UPG
USAF:
F-16C
A-10 Warthog

 

[mack8]

Image showing that as of last week the Su-35s stored at KnAAPO still retained their egyptian numbers

https://twitter.com/x/status/1704814292133089465