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{{Short description|Aerial warfare branch of Egypt's armed forces}}
[[Image:Egyptian Air Force Roundel.svg|thumb|right|100px|Egyptian Air Force Insignia]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Egyptian Air Force
| native_name = {{ubl|{{lang|ar| القوات الجوية المصرية}}|{{transl|ar|El Qūwāt El Gawīyä El Maṣrīya}}}}
| image = Egyptian Air Force emblem.svg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Badge of the Egyptian Air Force
| start_date = Part of the Egyptian Army in [[1932 in aviation|1932]], an independent service arm in [[1937 in aviation|1937]] ({{Age|1932|1|1}} years)
| country = {{flag|Egypt}}
| allegiance =
| branch =
| type = [[Air force]]
| role = [[Aerial warfare]]
| size = 30,000 active personnel<ref name=IISS1>{{cite book| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2023 |title=The Military Balance 2023 |author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |location=[[London]] |page= 320| isbn=9781032508955}}</ref><br />20,000 reserve personnel<ref name="IISS1" /><br />50,000 total personnel<br />
1,080 aircraft<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]] |year=2024 |access-date=14 October 2024}}</ref>
| command_structure = [[File:Emblem of the Egyptian Armed Forces.png|22px]] [[Egyptian Armed Forces]]
| garrison = [[Heliopolis, Cairo]]
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto = {{ubl|{{lang|ar|إلى العلا في سبيل المجد}}|{{transl|ar|DIN|I‘la’ al-'olà fī sabīl al-magd}}|"Higher and higher for the sake of glory"}}
| colours = {{legend2|#00CED1|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}{{legend2|#ce1126|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}{{legend2|#ffffff|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}{{legend2|#000000|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
| colours_label =
| march = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuf0QLo9V2Q أغنية للقوات الجوية (Air Force Song)]
| mascot = [[Golden eagle]]
| anniversaries = 14 October<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_266.shtml|title=Battle of el-Mansourah|last=Nicolle|first=David|author2=Sherif Sharmy|date=24 September 2003|work=Middle East Database|publisher=Air Combat Information Group|access-date=5 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209125747/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_266.shtml|archive-date=9 February 2009}}</ref>
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles = 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]]
* [[Yom Kippur War|6th of October War]]
* [[Shaba I]]
* [[Egyptian–Libyan War]]
* [[Sinai insurgency]]
* [[Egyptian involvement in the Second Libyan Civil War|Second Libyan Civil War]]
* [[February 2015 Egyptian airstrikes in Libya|2015 airstrikes in Libya]]
* [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|Intervention in Yemen]]
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| flying_hours =
| website = [http://www.mod.gov.eg/ www.mod.gov.eg]
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = Air Marshal Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/52541/Egyptian-Defense-Ministry-appoints-new-Air-Force-head |title=Egyptian Defense Ministry appoints new Air Force head |date=21 June 2018 |access-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623004722/https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/52541/Egyptian-Defense-Ministry-appoints-new-Air-Force-head |archive-date=23 June 2018}}</ref>
| commander1_label = [[Commander of the Air Force (Egypt)|Commander of the Air Force]]
| commander2 = [[Air Vice Marshal]] Amr Abdelrahman Sakkrr<ref>{{cite web |title=Chief of Air Staff |url=http://www.mod.gov.eg/ModWebSite/CSFLAr.aspx |website=mod.gov.eg |access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref>
| commander2_label = Chief of Air Staff
| notable_commanders = [[Hosni Mubarak]]<br />[[Ahmed Shafik]]<br />[[Reda Hafez]]
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol = [[File:Roundel of Egypt.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Flag of Egypt.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Fin flash]]
| identification_symbol_3 = [[File:Air Force Ensign of Egypt.svg|150px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = Flag
<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack = [[Alpha Jet]], [[Wing Loong II]], E-June 30SW
| aircraft_bomber =
| aircraft_electronic = [[Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C]], [[Beechcraft 1900]], [[Westland Sea King|Commando Mk.2E]]
| aircraft_fighter = [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16A/B/C/D]], [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000EM]], [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale DM/EM]], [[MiG-29|MiG-29M/M2]]
| aircraft_helicopter = [[AW109]], [[AW139]], [[AW149]], [[AW189]], [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60M]], [[Sikorsky S-70|S-70]], [[Aérospatiale Gazelle|SA342L]]
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo = [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-47D]], [[Westland Sea King|Commando Mk.1/2B]], [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]], [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]]
| aircraft_helicopter_attack = [[Kamov Ka-50|Ka-52E]], [[AH-64 Apache|AH-64D/E]], [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-24V]], [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]], [[Aérospatiale Gazelle|SA342L]]
| aircraft_interceptor =
| aircraft_patrol = [[Kaman SH-2 Seasprite|SH-2G]]
| aircraft_recon = [[Teledyne Ryan Scarab|M-324]], E-June 30SW, [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage 5SDR]], [[Air Tractor AT-802|AT-802]]
| aircraft_trainer = [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8E]], [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39]], [[MiG-29|MiG-29UB]], [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000BM]], [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage 5SDD]], [[Alpha Jet]], [[Embraer EMB 312 Tucano|EMB 312]], [[Grob G-115|G-115]]
| aircraft_transport = [[C-130 Hercules|C-130H]], [[Ilyushin Il-76|IL-76MF]], [[EADS CASA C-295|C-295]], [[An-74]], [[DHC-5]], [[Beechcraft 1900]]
| aircraft_tanker =
| aircraft_general =
}}


The '''Egyptian Air Force''', or '''EAF''' ({{lang-ar|القوات الجوية المصرية}}, ''{{ArabDIN|Al-Qūwāt al-Gawwīyä al-Miṣrīyä}}''), is the aviation branch of the [[Military of Egypt|Egyptian armed forces]]. The EAF is headed by an [[Air Marshal]] ([[Lieutenant General]] equivalent). Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal [[Magdy Galal Sharawi]]. The force's [[motto]] is 'Higher and higher for the sake of glory' ({{lang-ar|اعلاء الاعلى في سبيل المجد}}, ''{{ArabDIN|I‘la’ al-a‘là fī sabīl al-magd}}'').
The '''Egyptian Air Force (EAF)''' ({{Langx|ar|القوات الجوية المصرية|translit=El Qūwāt El Gawīyä El Maṣrīya}}), is the [[Air force|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' ({{langx|ar|إلى العلا في سبيل المجد}}, ''{{transl|ar|DIN|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 [[Egyptian National Police|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 [[Libyan Civil War (2014–present)|Second Libyan Civil War]] and the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|Intervention in the Yemen]].
Currently the '''EAF ''' is the largest Arab air force, reckoned to be the most powerful air force in Africa and the second in the Middle East after the [[Israeli Air Force]] with a total of over 567 combat aircraft and 149 armed helicopters.

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.<ref name="IISS1" />


==History==
==History==
===Establishment===
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.


===Establishment (Royal Egyptian Air Force)===
These three went to [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] number 4 Flying Training School at Abu Suwayer near the [[Suez Canal]], where they were trained on a variety of aircraft. After graduation they travelled to [[England]] for specialized training.
[[File:ModernEgypt, Farouk & Farida Marriage, DHP13655-21-4 01.jpg|thumb|left|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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RAF No. 41sqn Observer Corps|url=https://www.asisbiz.com/RAF-Units.html|last=asisbiz.com|date=2012-06-19|website=asisbiz|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>


These three went to [[No. 4 Flying Training School RAF]] at [[RAF Abu Sueir|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 November 2, 1930 [[King Fuad]] announced the creation of the '''Egyptian Army Air Force''' (EAAF) and in September 1931, the British [[De Havilland]] aircraft company won a contract to supply Egypt with 10 [[De Havilland Gipsy Moth]] trainers.


On 2 November 1930, the King of Egypt and Sudan, [[Fuad I of Egypt|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.
[[Image:Royal_Egyptian_Air_Force_roundel.svg‎|thumb|right|100px|Egyptian Air Force Insignia (1937-1958)]]


The first commander of the EAAF was a [[Canadian]] squadron leader, Victor Herbert Tait. Tait selected staff and weapons and built air-bases. In 1934 the British government provided 10 [[Avro 626]] aircraft, which were the first real Egyptian military planes. A further 17 626s together with [[Hawker Audax]]es for army cooperation and close support and [[Avro Anson]]s for VIP work followed shortly afterwards.
The first commander of the EAAF was Squadron Leader [[Victor Hubert Tait]] RAF, a [[Canadians|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 Audax]]es for army cooperation and close support and [[Avro Anson]]s 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|Suez Canal Zone]], and the Western Desert.


During 1938 the REAF received two squadrons (Nos 2 and 5) of [[Gloster Gladiator]] biplane fighters<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/acrawford0/Egypt.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021080301/http://geocities.com/acrawford0/Egypt.html |archive-date=21 October 2009 |title=Royal Egyptian Air Force Gladiators |website=www.webcitation.org |access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> 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]].
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 bases were built in the Suez canal region and the western desert.


===Second World War===
In 1938 the REAF received 2 squadrons of [[Gloster Gladiator]] biplane fighters and a squadron of then modern [[Westland Lysander]] reconnaissance aircraft, (Egypt was the last nation to use the Lysander in action, during the 1948 Arab campaign against Israel).
{{Main|Egypt during World War II}}


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 Hurricane]]s and a small number of [[Curtiss P-40|Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk]]s. In the immediate post-war period, cheap war surplus aircraft, including a large number of [[Supermarine Spitfire|Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXs]] were acquired.
===World War II===
As the Egyptian border was threatened by an [[Italy|Italian]] and [[Germany|German]] invasion, the [[Royal Air Force]] established more bases in [[Egypt]] during [[World War II]]. The Egyptian Air Force was sometimes treated as a part of the Royal Air Force, at other times a policy of neutrality was followed. As a result of this vacillation, few additional aircraft were supplied by Britain, however the arm did receive its first modern fighters, [[Hawker Hurricane]]s 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]] Mk9s were acquired. The REAF also bought [[Macchi MC205]]V fighters and trainers from [[Italy]].


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]].
===The 1948 War===


===1948 Arab–Israeli War===
Following the British withdrawal from [[Palestine]] and the founding of [[Israel]] on the 14th of May 1948, Egypt declared war along with other Arab countries on the new state. The Egyptian Air Force contributed to this conflict with [[C-47 Dakota]]s and [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire]]s and managed to shoot down two Israeli aircraft but suffered heavy losses. Egyptian air force Spitfires also attacked Royal Air Force Spitfires, which the Egyptian government incorrectly believed were to be handed over to Israel. The first raid surprised the Royal Air Force, and resulted in the destruction of several RAF aircraft on the ground and the death of an airman. The British were uncertain whether the attacking Spitfires had came from Arab or Israeli forces. When a second raid followed shortly afterwards it met a well prepared response, 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. This was the only occasion Spitfires fought each other.
{{Main|1948 Arab–Israeli War}}
[[File:Almaza display Sep 1956.jpg|thumb|On display circa 1956, new aircraft purchased from [[Czechoslovakia]] and the [[USSR]] clockwise: [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17|MiG-17F]], [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15|MiG-15bis]], [[Ilyushin Il-28|Il-28]], [[Yakovlev Yak-11|Yak-11]], [[Zlín Z 26|Zlin 226]], and two [[Mil Mi-1|Mi-1]] helicopters.]]
Following the British withdrawal from the British Protectorate of [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] and the establishment of the [[Israel|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,<ref>{{cite web|last=Crawford|first=Alex|title=Stirlings in Egypt|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=204&Itemid=47|publisher=ACIG.org|access-date=30 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117030021/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=204&Itemid=47|archive-date=17 January 2014}}</ref> [[Douglas C-47 Dakota]]s performing as light bombers and [[Supermarine Spitfire|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, although poor relations with Israel ensured that arms purchases continued. New Mk22 Spitfires were purchased to replace the earlier models. In late 1949 Egypt received its first jet fighter, it was the British [[Gloster Meteor]] F4 and shortly after [[De Havilland Vampire]] FB5s. However the policy of the Nasser government lead to Egypt also acquiring aircraft from the Eastern Block.


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|Gloster Meteor F4]] and shortly after [[de Havilland Vampire|de Havilland Vampire FB5]]s.
The first Soviet aircraft arrived in [[Egypt]] in 1955. Initial deliveries included [[MiG-15]] fighters, Ilyushin [[Il-28]] bombers, [[Il-14]] transports, and [[Yak-11]] trainers. Instructors from [[Czechoslovakia]] accompanied these aircraft. This period in Egypt's air force history also yielded the first indigenous aircraft production as the country began manufacturing its own Czech-designed [[Bü 181 Bestmann|Gomhouria Bü 181 Bestmann]] primary trainers.


===Republican Egypt (Egyptian Air Force)===
===The Suez Crisis===
In 1955, Egypt made an agreement to buy heavy arms from [[Czechoslovakia]], culminating four years of attempts.<ref name="Laron-p16">{{cite web|author1=Guy Laron|title=Cutting the Gordian Knot: The Post-WWII Egyptian Quest for Arms and the 1955 Czechoslovak Arms Deal|url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/cutting-the-gordian-knot-the-post-wwii-egyptian-quest-for-arms-and-the-1955-czechoslovak|publisher=wilsoncenter.org|pages=16|date=February 2007|quote="Egyptian representatives were able to sign a new commercial agreement with Czechoslovakia on 24 October 1951, which included a secret clause stating that "the government of Czechoslovakia will provide the Egyptian government with arms and ammunition – to be selected by Egyptian experts – worth about 600 million Egyptian pounds, to be paid in Egyptian cotton." The Egyptian experts requested 200 tanks, 200 armored vehicles, 60 to 100 MIG-15 planes, 2,000 trucks, 1,000 jeeps, and other items... Czechoslovakia would not be able to supply weapons to Egypt in 1952. And each year, from then until 1955, Prague kept finding new reasons to delay the shipments "|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083125/http://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/cutting-the-gordian-knot-the-post-wwii-egyptian-quest-for-arms-and-the-1955-czechoslovak|archive-date=18 May 2015}}</ref> 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-15]]s, [[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.
After [[Gamel Abdel Nasser|Nasser]] decided to nationalize 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]]. Heavy losses were sustained by the Egyptian side. The conflict, though devastating militarily, turned out to be a political victory for Egypt and resulted in the total withdrawal of the aggressor forces from the country. It also forced the EAF to begin rebuilding its Air Force with non-British help.


===Suez Crisis===
Soon after the war, Egypt formed a political union with Syria and Yemen and the Egyptian Air Force became known as the United Arab Republic Air Force.


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.
By the mid-1960s, British aircraft were 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 modernize 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. In 1967, Egypt had 200 MiG-21s. The air force also began flying the Sukhoi [[Su-7]] fighter/bomber in the mid-1960s.


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.
===The Six-Day War===
[[File:A formation of five brand-new EAF Il-28 bombers, seen at low level over Cairo during a parade in September 1956. As it seems the EAF Il-28s were initially not given serials, but wore code-letters, like E, F, N etc. instead..jpg|thumb|left|A formation of [[Ilyushin Il-28|Il-28 bombers]], over Cairo during a parade in September 1956.]]
In the 1967 [[Six-Day War]] the EAF was destroyed on the ground in mere hours after [[Israel]] launched a surprise attack. Subsequently, the Soviets again sent a large number of aircraft and trainers to Egypt in order to help revitalize the EAF.


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 [[RAF Fayid|Fayid]] with a forward location at Milayz in the early 1960s.{{sfn|Nicolle|Cooper|2004|p=8}}
On the 14th of July 1967, using what planes were left, the (EAF) launched a strike on Israeli targets, located east of the Suez Canal, forcing the Israelis to withdraw temporarily from the front line.

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 missile]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/did-you-know-the-former-president-of-egypt-hosni-mubarak-was-a-good-military-pilot-pt-2-nocturnal-il-28-reconnaissance-sorties-over-israel/|title=Did you know the former President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak was a good military pilot? Part 2 Nocturnal Il-28 reconnaissance sorties over Israel|date=18 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020|website=AviationGeekClub.com|first=Tom|last=Cooper}}</ref> 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 threat]]s from the Israeli intelligence agency [[Mossad]].

===Yemen War===
{{Main|North Yemen Civil 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.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Rogan|first1=Eugene|title=The Yemen War and Egypt's War Preparedness|work=The 1967 Arab-Israeli War|pages=149–164|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-511-75143-1|last2=Aclimandos|first2=Tewfik|editor2-first=Avi|editor2-last=Shlaim|editor1-first=Wm Roger|editor1-last=Louis|year=2011|doi=10.1017/cbo9780511751431.008}}</ref>

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 (missile)|Thunderbird]] surface-to-air missiles and developed [[King Khalid Air Base|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 [[King Abdulaziz Air Base|Dhahran Air Base]] from May 1963,<ref>TAC Special Order, 832d Combat Support Group, see [[481st Tactical Fighter Squadron]]</ref> demonstrating to Egypt the seriousness of his commitment to defending U.S. interests in Saudi Arabia.

===Six-Day War===
{{Main|Six-Day War}}
[[File:6dayswar1.jpg|thumb|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.<ref>Kenneth M. Pollack, Mark Grimsley, Peter Maslowski, ''Arabs at War: Military Effectiveness, 1948–1991,''University of Nebraska Press, 2004 p.170</ref> 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.{{sfn|Nicolle|Cooper|2004|p=16}}

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.<ref>Nicolle, Cooper, ''Arab Migs Volume 4 Units in Combat'', 2013, p.37, and [http://myplace.frontier.com/~anneled/IAFinventory.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029041835/http://home.comcast.net/~anneled/IAFinventory.html|date=29 October 2007}} IAF Inventory</ref>

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.{{sfn|Nicolle| Cooper|2004|p=19}}

===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.<ref>{{harvnb|Draper|1999|pp=77–78, 83, 86, 90}}</ref>


===War of Attrition===
===War of Attrition===
[[File:F-4J VF-41 intercepting Tu-16 in 1972.jpg|thumb|right|An F-4 Phantom from VF-102 intercepting an Egyptian Air Force [[Tupolev Tu-16|Tupolev Tu-16 Badger]] over the [[Mediterranean Sea]], 1972]]
Following the 1967 defeat, Egypt carried out a prolonged campaign of attrition against Israel. The Egyptian Air Force applied the lessons it learnt earlier from the Israelis. A 32-year-old deputy MiG-21 regiment commander who has been flying since he was 15 recalls:
{{Main|War of Attrition}}
"''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.''"
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.
===The 6th of October War===
On the 6th of October of 1973, the EAF led a surprise attack across the Suez Canal carrying out precision strikes and engaging in dogfights with the [[Israeli Air Force]]. The EAF was the key to the success of the Egyptian crossing in the [[Yom Kippur War|6th of October War]] (also known as the [[Yom Kippur War]]). During the initial attack the Israeli Air Force was ordered not to engage the EAF or get within 15 miles of the [[Suez Canal]] to avoid the Egyptian [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]] sites which were responsible for the majority of Israeli aircraft losses during that war. At last light of the same day, a force of 100 Mi-8 armed helicopters loaded with 18-man commando teams was launched deep into Sinai to attack the Israeli-occupied oil fields and to disrupt the flow of Israeli reinforcements heading for the Canal front by interdicting one of the main roads by which Israeli reserve armor had to travel to reach the [[Bar Lev Line]].


===October War 1973===
Later in the course of the war, the EAF fought a series of defensive battles to parry the offensive thrusts of the Israeli Air Force. On October 7, the Israeli Air Force mounted a major attack on the Egyptian air force bases in the Nile delta, using F-4 Phantoms, Skyhawks and Dassault-Breguet Mirages coming in from the North at extremely low altitudes over the Mediterranean Sea. The Israelis attacked in seven waves and penetrated to bomb a number of Egyptian air fields and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites.


[[File:Downed Mirage.jpg|thumb|250px|An Israeli Mirage, shot down over the west bank of the canal during the battle of Ismailia]]
In the 6th of October War, the EAF was under the command of [[Hosni Mubarak]]. Although it performed better than in previous conflicts, out of some 650 planes about 220 planes were destroyed. Most critical was the loss of frontline planes such as the MIG-21 Fighter and the Ilyushin Il-28 jet bomber used for bombing raids.


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|SA-3 'Goa']], while the more mobile [[SA-6|SA-6 'Gainful']] protected Egyptian forces at low and medium level, aided by the [[ZSU-23-4]] and shoulder-held [[SA-7]] SAMs.
===Upgrade and development===
Beginning 1982, the EAF began receiving advanced [[F-16]] fighters under the Peace Victor Program. In 1986, it received [[Mirage 2000]] fighters. Egypt also license built [[Alphajet]]s, Gazelles and [[ Embraer EMB 312 Tucano]] airplanes.


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]].
The [[Camp David Accords]] caused a change in the composition of the EAF. The EAF began to rely on American, French and even some [[PRC|Chinese]] planes. The addition of these planes along with the ones already in the EAF gave it an interesting composition.


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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/dassault-mirage-iiicj-shahak|title=Dassault Mirage IIICJ (Shahak)|publisher=Jewish Virtual Library|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403175004/https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/dassault-mirage-iiicj-shahak|archive-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>
In 1987 the E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) entered service and was upgraded with advanced AN/APS-145 radars. The EAF upgraded its F-16 fighters to enable them to to be armed with [[AIM-7]] Sparrow AAM and [[AGM-84 Harpoon]] anti-ship missiles and GBU TV stand off guided bombs.


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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egfighters.freehosting.net/migb.html|title=Mig-21|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021212022942/http://www.egfighters.freehosting.net/migb.html|archive-date=12 December 2002}}</ref>
During the early 1990s, all [[Mig-23]], [[Su-7]]/20, [[Tu-16]] and [[Il-28]] were retired from service. More recently, the EAF added [[AH-64 Apache]] helicopters, and [[K-8]] trainers.


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:
==EAF today==
"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' [[Tactical formation|formation]] shot down four Mirages with the loss of one MiG."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptdailynews.com/egyptian%20airforce.htm|title=Egypt Daily News|access-date=24 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220060601/http://www.egyptdailynews.com/egyptian%20airforce.htm|archive-date=20 December 2014}}</ref>
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:egyptf16.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Egyptian F-16s flying in close formation]] -->
Currently, the backbone of the EAF are 220 [[F-16]]s (with an additional 24 F-16C Block 52 on order under Peace Vector IV), making Egypt the 4th largest F-16 operator in the world. The [[Mirage 2000]] is the other modern interceptor used by the EAF. It continues to fly [[MiG-21]]s, [[F-7 Skybolt]]s, 32 upgraded [[F-4 Phantom]]s, [[Dassault Mirage V]]s, [[C-130 Hercules]] plus the remnant of a large inventory of older Chinese and Russian fighters among other planes. These are well supported by 6 E-2C Hawkeye AWACS aircraft which are being upgraded to the new and highly advanced Hawkeye 2000 standard. The Egyptian Air Force is currently undergoing a modernization that has made Egypt a significant air power, on a par with Western European counterparts. <!-- READ IT AND THEN DELETE IT. Egypt ask U.S to buy the F-15 but americans denied any possible sale. they are not any AH-1W in Egypt and not any plan to order it. you have the AH-64. you cant have two types. buy more AH-64. you have 35 AH-64 only that are upgraded to -D model. not any other order for AH-64 . the chinese F-6 are retired at least one and a half year ago. their is no C-123 Provider in Egyptian air force .is older than the pyramides. the navy has 9 SH-2. in inventory they are 59 Mirage 5. the Mirage-2000 are 16. more than one lost in accidents-->


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.<ref name=acigmans>{{cite web|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_266.shtml|title=Battle of el-Mansourah|access-date=7 March 2011|date=24 September 2003|author=Dr. David Nicolle|author2=Sherif Sharmy|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=6 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606222027/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_266.shtml}}</ref> 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.<ref name=acigmans/> 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.<ref name="Hosni Mubarak Fast Facts">CNN Library, [http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/07/world/meast/hosni-mubarak---fast-facts/ Hosni Mubarak Fast Facts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410222350/http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/07/world/meast/hosni-mubarak---fast-facts |date=10 April 2016}}. 31 May 2014.</ref>
==Insignia==
{{Clear}}
[[File:MiG17Underside1981.png|thumb|EAF MiG17]]


===Shaba I===
<div style="float:right;width:138px;padding:5px">[[Image:Royal_Egyptian_Air_Force_roundel.svg‎|100px]]</div>
During the [[Shaba I]] crisis in [[Zaire]] on 1977, Egyptian Air Force provided 50 pilots and technicians, who operated [[Mirage (aircraft)|Mirage jets]] for the [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Zairian Air Force]].<ref>Ogunbadejo, "Conflict in Africa" (1979), p. 227.</ref>


===Libyan–Egyptian War===
<div style="float:right;width:138px;padding:5px">[[Image:Egyptian Air Force Roundel.svg|100px]]</div>
{{Main|Libyan–Egyptian War}}
During the 1977 Libyan–Egyptian War, there were some skirmishes between Libyan and Egyptian fighters.<ref>{{cite web|date=13 November 2003|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_353.shtml|title=Libya & Egypt, 1971–1979|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008121050/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_353.shtml|archive-date=8 October 2014}}</ref> In one instance, two [[Libyan Air Force (1951-2011)|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===
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. These are the colors of Pan-Arabism. The fins of aircraft carry the [[flag of Egypt]].
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]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6346618|title=Two A-7 Corsair II aircraft come in for landing during exercise Bright Star '80|series=Series: Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files, 1921 - 2008|date=9 November 1980|via=US National Archives Research Catalog}}</ref>
The 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.


===Sinai Insurgency===
== Aircraft inventory ==
{{Main|Sinai insurgency}}


The Egyptian Air Force operated on a large scale during the Sinai insurgency which commenced in 2011. [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64 Apache]] helicopters and F-16 jet fighters bombed numerous militant targets on almost a daily basis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/134324/Egypt/Politics-/The-longest-battle-in-North-Sinai-Egypts-army-figh.aspx|title=The longest battle in North Sinai: Egypt's army fights back against IS assaults – Politics – Egypt – Ahram Online|website=english.ahram.org.eg|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173721/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/134324/Egypt/Politics-/The-longest-battle-in-North-Sinai-Egypts-army-figh.aspx|archive-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>
{{Standard table|0}}
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Versions
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service<ref name="awst_20070115">"World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', [[January 15]] [[2007]].</ref>
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes
|-----
| [[Aero L-39]] || {{CZE}} || Adv. trainer || L-39ZO || 10 || ex-Libyan
|-----
| [[Aero L-59 Super Albatros]] || {{CZE}} || Adv. trainer<br>Ground attack || L-59E || 48 ||
|-----
| [[Aérospatiale Gazelle]] || {{EGY}} ||<br>Naval Patrol<br>Battlefield Scout<br>Anti-tank||'''Total'''<br>SA 342K<br>SA 342L<br>SA342M ||'''84'''<br>6<br>44<br>34 || license built by Arab British Helicopter, out of 108 originally delivered and licensed built
|-----
| [[Antonov An-74]] || {{UKR}} || Tact. transport || An-74T-200 || 3 || additional 6 on order with a total of 18 required
|-----
| [[Antonov An-24]] || {{UKR}} || Maritime patrol || An-24 || 3 ||
|-----
| [[Beechcraft 1900]] || {{USA}} || ELINT || 1900C || 9 ||
|-----
| [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]] || {{USA}} || <br>Attack helicopter<br>Attack helicopter ||AH-64D ||36 || additional 6 AH-64D Longbow being delivered, ordered in 2004, an additional 18 AH-64D Longbow are required pending approval of the US Congress through FMS. All AH-64A were converted to D Longbow standard
|-----
| [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook]] || {{ITA}}<br>{{USA}} || <br>Asslt. helicopter<br>Asslt. helicopter ||'''Total''' CH-47C<br>CH-47D ||'''19'''<br>15<br>4 || 2 license built by Agusta, existing C models being converted to D standards
|-----
| [[Chengdu J-7]] || {{CHN}} || Interceptor || F-7B || 60 || out of 120 delivered
|-----
| [[Dassault Mirage 5]] || {{FRA}} || <br>Fighter<br>Adv. trainer<br>Ground Attack<br>Reconnaissance || '''Total'''<br>5E2<br>5SDD<br>5SDE<br>5SDR || '''82'''<br>16<br>6<br>54<br>6 || Some attrition through the 80's and 90's may have reduced the inventory by 22-23 planes
|-----
| [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] || {{FRA}}<br>{{EGY}} || <br>Adv. trainer<br>Multirole fighter ||'''Total'''<br>2000BM<br>2000EM ||'''19'''<br>3<br>16 || out of 20 delivered, license built by Arab OI, one lost (crashed on take off) in a trainning sortie
|-----
| [[Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet]] || {{FRA}}<br>{{EGY}} ||<br>Adv. trainer<br>Ground attack ||'''Total'''<br>MS1<br>MS2 ||'''44'''<br>30<br>14 || license built by Arab OI
|-----
| [[de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo]] || {{CAN}} ||<br>Tact. transport<br>Nav. training ||'''Total''' DHC-5D<br>DHC-5D ||'''9'''<br>5<br>4 ||
|-----
| [[Embraer EMB 312 Tucano]] || {{EGY}} || Basic Trainer || EMB 312 || 54 || license built by Arab OI, out of 134 built (80 delivered to Iraq)
|-----
| [[Grob G-115]] || {{GER}} || Primary trainer || G-115E || 68 ||
|-----
| [[Grumman E-2 Hawkeye]] || {{USA}} || AEW || E-2C || 6 || Conversion to E-2 Hawkeye 2000 standard in progress, due to completion by end of 2008
|-----
| [[Hiller UH-12]] || {{USA}} || Training heli || UH-12E || 17 ||
|-----
| [[Hongdu JL-8]] || {{CHN}}<br>{{EGY}} || Adv. trainer || K-8E || 80 || 70 license built by Arab OI, an additional 40 are ordered for delivery by 2010
|-----
| [[Kaman SH-2 Seasprite]] || {{USA}} || ASW helicopter || SH-2G/E || 13 || Electronic/Nav Suite upgraded to Egyptian Navy requirements, 10 originally delivered, 1 lost due to pilot error, 4 surplus added, some may be for attrition
|-----
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] || {{USA}} ||<br>Tact. transport<br>Tact. transport<br> EW/ELINT ||'''Total'''<br>C130H<br>C130H30<br>EC130H||'''26'''<br>22<br>2<br>2 || including 3 C-130H purchased from the Danish Air Force in 2004, out of 30 delivered, 4 were lost at different times, one of which during the Malta operation
|-----
| [[Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon]] || {{USA}}<br>{{TUR}} || <br>Multirole Fighter<br>Adv. trainer<br>Multirole Fighter<br>Adv. trainer || '''Total'''<br>F-16A<br>F-16B<br>F-16C<br>F-16D || '''220''' <br>34<br>8<br>136<br>42 || 46 license built by TUSAS plus an additional 24 F-16C being ordered under Peace Vector VI, 5 of which delivered in 2005, about 14 were lost during the 80s and 90s, replacement received, one damaged, but fixed in the USA, awaiting re-deployement.
|-----
| [[McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II]] || {{USA}} || Fighter Bomber || F-4E || 32 || out of 46 delivered, 35 of which in 1979, 8 in 1988 with addtional 3 replacement for crashed planes
|-----
| [[Mikoyan MiG-21]] || {{USSR}} || <br>Fighter<br>Interceptor<br>Reconnaissance<br>Adv. trainer || '''Total'''<br>MF<br>PFM<br>R<br>UM || '''62''' <br>24<br>25<br>12<br>1 || out of over 360 delivered, some may be used for attrition
|-----
| [[Mil Mi-6]] || {{USSR}} || Heavy lift helicopter || || 9 || out of 20 delivered
|-----
| [[Mil Mi-8]] || {{USSR}} ||<br>Asslt. helicopter<br>Gunship<br>Airb. Command<br>Airb. Jamming<br>Reconnaissane<br>Ambulance<br>Artlry. Observ. ||<br>Mi-8T<br>Mi8TVK<br>Mi-8PPA<br>Mi-8MV<br>Mi-8R<br>Mi-8MB<br>Mi-8K ||'''42'''<br>16<br>10<br>3<br>4<br>4<br>3<br>2 || out of over 140 delivered
|-----
| [[Mil Mi-17]] || {{RUS}} || Asslt. helicopter || || 20 ||
|-----
| [[Westland Sea King]] || {{UK}} || ASW helicopter || MK 47 ||6 || Egyptian variant of the HAS2 model
|-----
| [[Westland Sea King|Westland Commando]] || {{UK}} || <br>Asslt. helicopter<br>Asslt. helicopter<br>EW helicopter||'''Total'''<br>MK1<br>MK2<br>MK2E ||'''24''' <br>5<br>17<br>2 ||


===Second Libyan Civil War===
|-----
{{Main|Libyan Civil War (2014–2020)}}
| [[Sikorsky S-70]] || {{USA}} || Asslt. helicopter || UH-60A || 4 || 18 additional on order from US surplus

During the [[Libyan Civil War (2014–present)|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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Michael|first=Maggie|title=Egypt Warplanes Bomb Libyan Militias in Libya|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-warplanes-bomb-libyan-militias/|access-date=2 April 2018|publisher=Times of Israel|date=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403123041/https://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-warplanes-bomb-libyan-militias/|archive-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> Egypt tightened security on Libyan border following mysterious air strikes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-tightens-security-libyan-border-following-mysterious-airstrikes|title=Egypt tightens security on Libyan border following mysterious airstrikes|date=11 January 2016|work=Egypt Independent|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312104550/http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-tightens-security-libyan-border-following-mysterious-airstrikes|archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ww4report.com/node/14622|title=Libya: mysterious air-strikes on Derna|website=ww4report.com|date=8 February 2016 |access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611225501/http://ww4report.com/node/14622|archive-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> The Libyan coastal city of Sirte has served as ISIL's capital in North Africa since the terror group seized the city last summer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/davidblair/100284198/the-mysterious-libya-air-strikes-are-a-sign-of-americas-waning-power-in-the-middle-east/|title=The mysterious Libya air strikes are a sign of America's waning power in the Middle East|work=The Telegraph|author=Blair, David|author-link=David Blair (journalist)|date=27 August 2014|access-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308061621/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/davidblair/100284198/the-mysterious-libya-air-strikes-are-a-sign-of-americas-waning-power-in-the-middle-east/|archive-date=8 March 2016}}</ref>

After receiving three [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21MFs]] and three [[Mil Mi-8|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 (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]] and even the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]], the latter centered around the Libyan city of [[Derna, Libya|Derna]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://warisboring.com/egypts-got-plans-for-libya/|title=Egypt's Got Plans for Libya|website=warisboring.com|date=5 December 2015|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173624/http://warisboring.com/egypts-got-plans-for-libya/|archive-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

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.<ref name="debka.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.debka.com/french-nuke-carrier-for-sea-air-drill-with-egypt-ahead-of-libya-offensive/|title=French nuke carrier for sea-air drill with Egypt ahead of Libya offensive|newspaper=Debkafile|date=6 March 2016|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402120455/https://www.debka.com/french-nuke-carrier-for-sea-air-drill-with-egypt-ahead-of-libya-offensive/|archive-date=2 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.africanews.com/2016/03/06/egypt-france-conduct-joint-military-exercise-off-the-mediterranean/|title=Egypt, France conduct joint military exercise off the Mediterranean|website=africanews.channel|date=6 March 2016|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307101557/http://www.africanews.com/2016/03/06/egypt-france-conduct-joint-military-exercise-off-the-mediterranean/|archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-france-start-ramses-2016-joint-military-exercise|title=Egypt, France start 'Ramses 2016' joint military exercise|work=Egypt Independent|date=6 March 2016|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307153500/http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-france-start-ramses-2016-joint-military-exercise|archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref> The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier [[French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91)|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 [[Egyptian Navy|navy]] in preparation for a reduced coalition offensive against Islamic State's deepening grip on Libya.<ref name="debka.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20160306-france-joins-joint-military-exercise-egypt|title=France joins military exercise with Egypt – Africa – RFI|website=RFI|language=en-GB|date=6 March 2016|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307122417/http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20160306-france-joins-joint-military-exercise-egypt|archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref>

===2015 Airstrikes in Libya===
{{Main|February 2015 Egyptian 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 [[2015 kidnapping and beheading of Copts in Libya|beheading of 21 Coptic Christians from Egypt]].

Within hours, the Egyptian Air Force responded with airstrikes against ISIL training camps and weapons stockpiles<ref name="wp">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egypt-bombs-islamic-state-targets-in-libya-after-brutal-beheading-video/2015/02/16/3b32c50c-b5b6-11e4-9423-f3d0a1ec335c_story.html|first=Erin|last=Cunningham|title=Egypt bombs Islamic State targets in Libya after beheading video|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2 April 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020151407/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egypt-bombs-islamic-state-targets-in-libya-after-brutal-beheading-video/2015/02/16/3b32c50c-b5b6-11e4-9423-f3d0a1ec335c_story.html|archive-date=20 October 2017}}</ref> in retaliation for the killings.<ref name="Egypt retaliates for the killings of 21 Egyptians">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31483631|agency=[[BBC News]]|title=Egypt 'bombs IS in Libya' after beheadings video|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621211750/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31483631|archive-date=21 June 2018}}</ref> Warplanes acting under orders from the Libyan government also struck targets in [[Derna, Libya|Derna]], reportedly in coordination with Egypt.<ref name="Libya syncs airstrikes with Egypt">{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4627076,00.html|agency=Ynetnews|title=Libyan air force loyal to official government bombed targets in eastern city of Derna|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216110553/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4627076,00.html|archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> 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,<ref name="Egyptian airstrikes kill 64 ISIL militants">{{cite news|date=16 February 2015|title=Egyptian airstrikes in Libya kill dozens of Isis militants|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202000126/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|archive-date=2 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/03/14/259788/islamic-state-fighting-in-libyas.html|title=SIRTE, Libya: Islamic State fighting in Libya's Sirte claims at least 19 lives – Middle East – McClatchy DC|work=McClatchy DC|access-date=23 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623103603/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/03/14/259788/islamic-state-fighting-in-libyas.html|archive-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> 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.
{{Clear}}

===2015 Military Intervention in Yemen===
{{Main|Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen}}
[[File:Air strike in Sana'a 11-5-2015.jpg|thumb|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,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/08/01/egypt-prolongs-role-saudi-led-yemen-coalition/30998873/|title=Egypt Prolongs Role in Saudi-led Yemen Coalition|website=Defense News|date=1 August 2015|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> Egypt's presidency announced on 2015 March 25 in a statement. the Egyptian Air Force participated in airstrikes against [[Houthis]] in Yemen.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.african-defense.com/defense-news/egyptian-navy-air-force-operating-in-yemen-offensive/|title=Egyptian Navy, Air Force Operating in Yemen Offensive|website=African Defense|language=en-US|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308050852/http://www.african-defense.com/defense-news/egyptian-navy-air-force-operating-in-yemen-offensive/|archive-date=8 March 2016}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|date=26 March 2015|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/WriterArticles/NewsContentP/1/126179/Egypt/Egypt-navy-and-air-force-taking-part-in-military-i.aspx|title=Egypt navy and air force taking part in military intervention in Yemen: Presidency – Politics – Egypt – Ahram Online|website=english.ahram.org.eg|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318085541/http://english.ahram.org.eg/WriterArticles/NewsContentP/1/126179/Egypt/Egypt-navy-and-air-force-taking-part-in-military-i.aspx|archive-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>

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".<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian air force joins operation to retake Yemen base|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2015/8/3/egyptian-airforce-participates-in-operation-to-retake-yemen-base|access-date=2 April 2018|language=en|work=The New Arab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403051724/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2015/8/3/egyptian-airforce-participates-in-operation-to-retake-yemen-base|archive-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

===2017 Airstrikes in Libya===
{{Main|2017 Minya bus attack}}
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 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C/D Block 52s]] covered by at least two [[Dassault Rafale]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-05 |title=Egypt Has Joined the Air War in Libya |url=https://warisboring.com/egypt-has-joined-the-air-war-in-libya/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=War Is Boring |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Structure==

{{Location map+|Egypt|relief=|float=right|width=600|places=
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Abu Suweir|lat=30.3422|long=032.0547|position=right|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Mansurah|lat=30.5803|long=031.2603|position=right|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Aswan|lat=23.5754|long=032.4924|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Zaqaziq|lat=30.3539|long=031.3958|position=|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Beni Suef|lat=29.1243|long=031.0057|position=|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Bilbays|lat=30.2342|long=031.3605|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Almaza |lat=30.0533|long=031.2135|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Cairo/Intl|lat=30.0719|long=031.2420|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Cairo/West|lat=30.0659|long=030.5456|position=bottom|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Minya|lat=28.0556|long=030.4344|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Fayid|lat=30.2004|long=032.1550|position=|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=G-e-Basur|lat=30.3224|long=030.3338|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Hurghada|lat=27.1103|long=033.4754|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Jiyanklis|lat=30.4918|long=030.1135|position=top|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Kom Awshim|lat=29.3315|long=030.5342|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Mersa Matruh|lat=31.1928|long=027.1320|position=left|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
{{Location map~|Egypt|background=white|label=Jandali|lat=30.0301|long=031.5022|position=bottom|mark=Roundel of Egypt.svg}}
|caption= Air bases of the Egyptian Air Force: [[File:Roundel of Egypt.svg|12px]] Egyptian Air Force bases
}}

===Air bases===
Source:<ref>{{cite web|title=Scramble|url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/egypt/egypt-air-force|website=Scramble.nl|access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
*[[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 <!-- drone base, possibly located at Dakhla Oasis Airport-->
*[[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===
[[File:MIAS 260915 EAF K-8E 01.jpg|thumb|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 [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8E Karakorum]] [[Trainer (aircraft)|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 "[[Yom Kippur War|October War]]" anniversary. Pilots of the team were flying instructors at the Air force College and flew four [[Aero L-29 Delfín|L-29]] planes painted in dark green and brown and yellow – standard color scheme. In 1984, the Sliver Stars aerobatic team switched to six [[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet|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==
{{See also|List of aircraft of the Egyptian Air Force}}

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 Industries|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.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=EGYPT F-16 Program {{!}} Turkish Aerospace|url=https://www.tusas.com/en/product/egypt-f-16-program|access-date=2020-09-12|website=www.tusas.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=F-16 Air Forces - Egypt|url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article4.html|access-date=2020-09-23|website=www.f-16.net}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|title=Lockheed Martin Sells Its Share of Turkish Joint Venture to Turkish Aircraft Industries, Inc. (TUSAS)|url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2005-01-13-Lockheed-Martin-Sells-Its-Share-of-Turkish-Joint-Venture-to-Turkish-Aircraft-Industries-Inc-TUSAS|access-date=2020-09-23|website=Media - Lockheed Martin|language=en-us}}</ref> 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 [[Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet|Alphajet]]s, [[Embraer EMB 312 Tucano|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.<ref name="boeing.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/2001/q4/nr_011203n.htm |title=Boeing: Boeing, U.S. Army Sign Contract for 35 Egyptian AH-64D Apaches |access-date=3 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111225920/http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/2001/q4/nr_011203n.htm |archive-date=11 November 2007}}</ref> 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 [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8]] Karakorum [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainers]] were also ordered.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scramble.nl/eg.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031216161315/http://www.scramble.nl/eg.htm|url-status=dead|title=Scramble on the Web – Egyptian Air Force<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=www.scramble.nl|archive-date=16 December 2003}}</ref>

===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.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/country/Egypt_c0062.aspx Egyptian Military Purchase.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030025157/http://www.deagel.com/country/Egypt_c0062.aspx |date=30 October 2010}} Retrieved 2 April 2018.</ref> 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]].<ref>[http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/24/19658730-obama-halts-delivery-of-four-f-16-jets-to-egypt-amid-unrest?lite= Obama halts delivery of four F-16 jets to Egypt amid unrest] – NBCnews.com, 24 July 2013 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727053718/http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/24/19658730-obama-halts-delivery-of-four-f-16-jets-to-egypt-amid-unrest?lite=|date=27 July 2013}}</ref> In March 2015 the US announced the resumption of the deliveries of the F-16s, the last of which was delivered in October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/april/1639-white-house-resumes-delivery-of-12-f-16-fighter-aircraft-to-egypt.html|title=White House resumes delivery of 12 F-16 fighter aircraft to Egypt|date=1 April 2015|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829202914/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/april/1639-white-house-resumes-delivery-of-12-f-16-fighter-aircraft-to-egypt.html|archive-date=29 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://egypt.usembassy.gov/pr103016.html|title=Press Release &#124; Cairo, Egypt - Embassy of the United States|access-date=31 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117021109/http://egypt.usembassy.gov/pr103016.html |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref>

On 16 February 2015, Egypt became the Dassault Rafale's first international customer when it officially ordered 24 Rafales,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportation-du-rafale-les-inquietudes-de-l-armee-de-l-air-482410.html|work=La Tribune|title=Exportation du Rafale : les inquiétudes de l'armée de l'air|date=9 June 2015|language=fr|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150615182756/http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportation-du-rafale-les-inquietudes-de-l-armee-de-l-air-482410.html|archive-date=15 June 2015}}</ref> as part of a larger deal (including a [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]] and a supply of missiles) worth US$5.9&nbsp;billion (€5.2&nbsp;billion).<ref>{{cite web|last=Lert|first=Frédéric|url=http://www.janes.com/article/49025/egypt-officially-signs-for-24-rafales-fremm-frigate-and-missiles|title=Egypt officially signs for 24 Rafales, FREMM frigate, and missiles|date=16 February 2015|work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218001612/http://www.janes.com/article/49025/egypt-officially-signs-for-24-rafales-fremm-frigate-and-missiles|archive-date=18 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=F24>{{Cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20150216-france-egypt-sign-deal-sale-rafale-fighter-jets/|title=Egypt, France to conclude €5.2 billion deal for Rafale jets|publisher=[[France 24]]|date=16 February 2015|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216200821/http://www.france24.com/en/20150216-france-egypt-sign-deal-sale-rafale-fighter-jets/|archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/egypt-picks-rafale-for-fighter-deal-409036/ |title=Egypt picks Rafale for fighter deal|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=13 February 2015|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213203851/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/egypt-picks-rafale-for-fighter-deal-409036/|archive-date=13 February 2015}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="dassault-aviation1">{{cite news|url= http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/dassault-aviation-delivers-first-rafales-to-the-arab-republic-of-egypt/|website=Dassault Aviation|title=Dassault Aviation delivers first Rafales to the Arab Republic of Egypt|date=20 July 2015|access-date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721214925/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/dassault-aviation-delivers-first-rafales-to-the-arab-republic-of-egypt/|archive-date=21 July 2015}}</ref> In January 2016, Egypt received three more Rafale fighters, raising the number of Rafales in service to six.<ref name="defenseworld.net">{{cite news|url= http://www.defenseworld.net/news/15188/Egypt_Receives_Three_More_Rafale_Fighters_From_France#.VqoUdvl97IU|website= defenseworld.net|title= Egypt Receives Three More Rafale Fighters From France|language= en|access-date= 28 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160205073049/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/15188/Egypt_Receives_Three_More_Rafale_Fighters_From_France#.VqoUdvl97IU |archive-date=5 February 2016}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoyle|first=Craig |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rafale-exports-take-off-with-egyptian-delivery-414800/ |title=Rafale exports take off with Egyptian delivery|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=20 July 2015|access-date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119064448/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rafale-exports-take-off-with-egyptian-delivery-414800/|archive-date=19 November 2015}}</ref>

In April 2014, it was reported that Egypt planned to order 24 MiG-35 fighters as part of an arms deal with Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/20140422_egypt-interested-buying-24-mig-35s-russia.html#.U1b8ZNzlQzo|title=Egypt interested in buying 24 MiG-35s from Russia|author=News Desk|date=22 April 2014|publisher=defense-update.com|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030095133/http://defense-update.com/20140422_egypt-interested-buying-24-mig-35s-russia.html#.U1b8ZNzlQzo|archive-date=30 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-russia-said-close-to-deal-for-advanced-jets/|title=Russia said set to sell its top fighter jets to Egypt|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626112607/http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-russia-said-close-to-deal-for-advanced-jets/|archive-date=26 June 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name="defensenews">{{Cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2015/02/22/russia-eyes-india-dassault-celebrates-in-egypt/ |title=Russia Eyes India, Dassault Celebrates in Egypt |date=22 February 2015 |access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name="46 MiG-29M/M2s">{{cite news|url=http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/05/25/593348-soglasovan-kontrakt-na-postavku-46-istrebitelei-mig-29-v-egipet|title=Согласован контракт на поставку 46 истребителей МиГ-29 в Египет|work=vedomosti.ru|date=24 May 2015|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626164540/https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/05/25/593348-soglasovan-kontrakt-na-postavku-46-istrebitelei-mig-29-v-egipet|archive-date=26 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2794561|script-title=ru:В авиации ожидают прилет перемен|trans-title=In aviation, the arrival of changes is expected|work=Kommersant|date=22 August 2015|language=ru|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211829/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2794561|archive-date=26 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/Mig-35S_a000357007.aspx|website=deagel.com|title=Egypt to Buy 46 Mig-35 Fighter Jets from Russia|language=en|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325225102/http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/Mig-35S_a000357007.aspx|archive-date=25 March 2018}}</ref> Russia planned to supply the Egyptian MiG-29M/M2s with 40 high precision targeting pods. Deliveries would have begun in 2016.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20151109/1317240976.html|publisher=[[RIA Novosti]]|title=Системы наведения на цель ракет с МиГ-35 поставят в Египет в 2016 году|trans-title=The missile targeting systems with MiG-35 will be delivered to Egypt in 2016|language=ru|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163032/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20151109/1317240976.html|archive-date=12 June 2018}}</ref>

Russia and Egypt signed a contract for delivery of 50 Ka-52 helicopters.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2285091|script-title=ru:Источник: Египет купил у РФ 50 вертолетов Ка-52 и может получить их в палубном варианте|trans-title=Source: Egypt bought 50 Ka-52 from RF and can get them as deck version|date=23 September 2015|language=ru|access-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925101013/http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2285091|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> The Ka-52's were equipped with the new OES-52 targeting system allowing it to launch [[9K121 Vikhr|Vikhr]] and [[9M120 Ataka|Ataka]] anti-tank missiles using laser target direction systems. The execution of the contract started in 2016 and lasted until 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tass.ru/en/defense/835164|title=Russia to supply 50 Ka-52 helicopters to Egypt in 2016–2018|date=10 November 2015|language=ru|access-date=17 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112184152/http://tass.ru/en/defense/835164|archive-date=12 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://alexeyvvo.livejournal.com/135596.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150830183120/http://alexeyvvo.livejournal.com/135596.html |archive-date=30 August 2015 |title=Ka-52 orders from Egypt.|date=25 August 2015|language=ru}}</ref>

[[SAGEM]] and [[Arab Organization for Industrialization|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.<ref name="sagem.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.safran-electronics-defense.com/media/20150924_sagem-and-aoi-aircraft-factory-sign-collaboration-agreement-drones-egyptian-defense-market?shadowbox=1|title=Sagem and AOI – Aircraft Factory sign collaboration agreement on drones for Egyptian defense market|date=24 September 2015|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2016/04/19/97001-20160419FILWWW00002-un-satellite-airbus-thales-vendu-a-l-egypte.php|title=Un satellite Airbus-Thalès vendu à l'Egypte|date=19 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422065221/http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2016/04/19/97001-20160419FILWWW00002-un-satellite-airbus-thales-vendu-a-l-egypte.php|archive-date=22 April 2016}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/ru/press/news/zavershili_remont_vertoletov_dlya_egipta/|title=Russian Helicopters delivered three refurbished Mi-8T helicopters to Egypt|date=22 September 2016|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927001626/http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/ru/press/news/zavershili_remont_vertoletov_dlya_egipta/|archive-date=27 September 2016}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://weaponews.com/news/65353379-jordan-gave-egypt-two-military-transport-il-76mf.html|title=Jordan gave Egypt two military transport Il-76MF|website=weaponews.com|language=en|access-date=5 August 2019}}</ref>

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.<ref name="dassault">{{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-05-04/new-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-between-france-egypt-to-see-first-deliveries-from-2024-french-official|title=Cementing Egypt Security Ties, France Seals Large Warplane Deal|date=4 May 2021|access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>

On 15 March 2022, the United States agreed to sell Egypt variants of [[F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E]]s, the offer's amount of planes and price is to be determined.<ref name="F-15">{{cite news|url=https://www.egyptdefenceexpo.com/news/us-to-supply-f-15s-to-egypt|title= US supply of F-15s to Egypt, confirmed by general Frank McKenzie| date=15 March 2022|access-date=4 November 2022}}</ref>

In September 2024 Egypt announced it would buy Chengdu [[Chengdu J-10|J-10Cs]] to replace their American [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] fighter jets.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Fretay |first=Halna du |title=Egypt Officializes Its Choice of Chinese J-10C Fighters to Replace American F-16s |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/egypt-officializes-its-choice-of-chinese-j-10c-fighters-to-replace-american-f-16s |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>

===Current inventory===
[[File:Rafale - RIAT 2009 (3751416421).jpg|thumb|A [[Rafale]] fighter]]
[[File:Egyptian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules (L-382) Lebeda-1.jpg|thumb|An Egyptian C-130H aircraft]]
[[File:An F-16 of the Egyptian Air Force fly in support of exercise Agile Phoenix.jpg|thumb|An Egyptian F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
[[File:Антонов Ан-72-74 36547098977, Харьков - О(modified).jpg|thumb|An Egyptian An-74 in flight]]
[[File:Egyptian Air Force Boeing CH-47D Chinook (414) Pichugin.jpg|thumb|An Egyptian CH-47D Chinook]]
[[File:U S Marine Corps RQ-20 Puma 4-M-DE476-005.png|thumb|An Egyptian RQ-20 Puma [[UAV]]

]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"| [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
| [[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet|Alpha Jet]]
| [[France]] / [[Germany]]
| [[Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance|light attack]]
|
| 36<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |title=Military Balance 2024 |publisher=IISS |year=2024 |isbn=978-1032780047}}</ref><ref name="World Air Forces 2024" />
|27 units are dedicated to advanced training
|-
|[[Dassault Rafale]]
|[[France]] / [[Egypt]]
|[[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[Dassault Rafale#Variants|DM/EM]]
|24<ref name="World Air Forces 2024" />
| |30 on order<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-05-04/egypt-orders-30-more-rafale-fighters|title=Egypt Orders 30 More Rafale Fighters|first=David|last=Donald|website=Aviation International News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/05/04/egypt-bumps-up-its-rafale-fleet-by-30-new-planes/|title=Egypt bumps up its Rafale fleet by 30 new planes|first=Christina|last=Mackenzie|date=4 May 2021|website=Defense News}}</ref><ref name="dassault" />
|-
|[[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
|[[United States]]
|[[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon#variants|A/B/C/D]]
| 218<ref name="World Air Forces 2024" />
|50 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon#variants|C/D]] variants provide conversion training<ref name=":4" />
|-
| [[Mikoyan MiG-29M|MiG-29M]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[Mikoyan MiG-29M|M/M2]]
| 43<ref name=":4" /><ref name="World Air Forces 2024" />
|12 used for [[conversion training]].
|-
| [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000]]
| [[France]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[Dassault Mirage 2000#Egypt|EM/BM]]
| 19<ref name=":4" /><ref name="World Air Forces 2024" />
| 2 used for conversion training
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Airborne early warning and control|AEW&C]]
|-
| [[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|E-2 Hawkeye]]
| [[United States]]
| [[Airborne early warning and control|AEW]]
| [[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye#Egypt|E-2C]]
|7<ref name="World Air Forces 2024" />
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| [[Antonov An-74]]
| [[Ukraine]]
| transport
|An-74TK-200A
| 3<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Beechcraft 1900]]
| United States
| transport
|
| 8<ref name="World Air Forces 2023" />
| 4 assigned to [[Electronic-warfare aircraft|electronic-warfare]]
|-
| [[EADS CASA C-295|CASA C-295]]
| [[Spain]]
| transport
|
| 24<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]]
| [[United States]]
| transport / [[Search and rescue|SAR]] / [[Signals intelligence|ELINT]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-01-18|title=Egypt getting C-130 ELINT capability|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/egypt-getting-c-130-elint-capability/|access-date=2020-09-24|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules#Variants|C-130H]]
| 23<ref name=":4" />
| 2 used for [[ELINT]].<ref name=":4" />
|-
| [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J Super Hercules]]
| United States
| transport
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules#Variants|C-130J-30]]
| 3<ref name=":4" />
| 12 ordererd<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/egypt-c-130j-30-super-hercules-aircraft|title=Egypt – C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft|website=www.dsca.mil}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-senate-backs-22-billion-military-sale-egypt-2022-03-10/|title=U.S. Senate backs $2.2 billion military sale to Egypt|newspaper=Reuters |date=10 March 2022|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref>
|-
| [[de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo|DHC-5 Buffalo]]
| [[Canada]]
| transport
|
|8<ref name="World Air Forces 2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |year=2023 |access-date=7 December 2022 |url-access=registration}}</ref>
|Being withdrawn from service.<ref name=":4" />
|-
| [[Ilyushin Il-76]]
| [[Russia]]
| heavy transport
| [[Ilyushin Il-76#Military variants|Il-76MF]]
|2<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|obtained from [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-06|title=Egypt acquires Il-76 transports|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/egypt-acquires-il-76-transports/|access-date=2020-09-24|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Helicopter]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Aérospatiale Gazelle]]
| rowspan="2" | [[France]]
| rowspan="2" | scout / [[Anti-tank warfare#Helicopter|anti-armor]]
| [[Aérospatiale Gazelle#Variants|SA342K]]
| 65<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
|[[Aérospatiale Gazelle#Variants|SA342L]]
|5<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[AgustaWestland AW109]]
| [[Italy]]
| light utility / [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
|
| 3<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|
|-
| [[AgustaWestland AW139]]
| Italy
| light utility / [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP]] / SAR
|
| 4<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|2 used for [[Search and rescue|SAR]].<ref name=":4" />
|-
|[[AgustaWestland AW149]]
|Italy
|utility / [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
|
|5<ref name=":4" />
|6 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|-
| [[AgustaWestland AW189]]
| Italy
| [[Utility helicopter|utility]] / [[Search and rescue|SAR]]
|
|
|8 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|-
| [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64 Apache]]
| [[United States]]
| attack
| [[Boeing AH-64 Apache#AH-64D|AH-64D]]
| 45<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-47 Chinook]]
| rowspan="2" | United States
| rowspan="2" | transport / [[Combat search and rescue|CSAR]]
| [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook#CH-47D|CH-47D]]
| 16<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
|[[CH-47C]]
|3<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Kamov Ka-50|Kamov Ka-52]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[Military helicopter#Observation helicopters|scout]] / [[Anti-tank warfare#Helicopter|anti-armor]]
| [[Kamov Ka-50#Variants|Ka-52]]
| 46<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-8]]
| Soviet Union
| [[Utility helicopter|utility]]
| [[Mil Mi-17#Variants|Mi-8T]]
| 40<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
|[[Mil Mi-17]]
|Soviet Union
|[[Utility helicopter|utility]]
|[[Mil Mi-17#Variants|Mi-17-1V]]
|3<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-24]]
| Soviet Union
| [[Attack helicopter|attack]]
|[[Mil Mi-24 variants#List of Variants|Mi-24V]]
| 13<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite|SH-2G Super Seasprite]]
| United States
| [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] / [[Maritime patrol aircraft|maritime patrol]]
|
| 10<ref name="World Air Forces 2023" />
|
|-
| [[Sikorsky S-70|Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk]]
| United States
| VIP transport
|
|4<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
|[[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60 Black Hawk]]
|United States
|VIP transport
|UH-60L
|4<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Westland Sea King]]
| [[United Kingdom]]
| transport / utility
| [[Westland Sea King#Variant|Commando Mk.2/1]]
| 23<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
| [[Aero L-39 Albatros|Aero L-39]]
| [[Czech Republic]]
| primary trainer
|
| 10<ref name=":4" />
|
|-
| [[Embraer EMB 312 Tucano|Embraer EMB-312]]
| [[Brazil]]
| trainer
|
|54<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|
|-
| [[Grob G 115]]
| [[Germany]]
| basic trainer
|
|74<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|
|-
| [[Hongdu JL-8#Variants|K-8]]
| [[China]]/[[Pakistan]]
|jet trainer
|
| 119<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]
|-
|[[ASN-209]]
|[[China]]
|surveillance
|
|
|locally produced under license<ref name="auto4">{{cite news|url=https://phys.org/news/2013-05-china-emerging-drone-warfare.html|first=Christopher|last=Bodeen|title=China emerging as new force in drone warfare|website=[[Phys.org]]|date=3 May 2013|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 6 October<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/business/technology-and-telecom/egyptian-company-unveils-locally-made-drones-smart-munitions-q6cd50tt |title=Egyptian Company unveils locally-made drones, smart munitions}}</ref>
|[[Egypt]]
|reconnaissance / attack
|
|
|
|-
| E-June 30<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/egypt-airshow-flight-dates-for-ambitious-egyptian-drones |title= Egypt Airshow: Flight dates for ambitious Egyptian drones}}</ref>
|Egypt
|reconnaissance / attack
|
|
|
|-
|[[BAE Systems SkyEye|R4E-50 skyeye]]
|United States
| reconnaissance
|
|
|
|-
|[[CAIG Wing Loong]]<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/20/chinas-weapons-of-mass-consumption/|first=Joseph E.|last=Lin|title=China's Weapons of Mass Consumption|date=20 March 2015|website=Foreign Policy|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref>
|[[China]]
| reconnaissance
|
|
|
|-
|[[CAIG Wing Loong II]]<ref name="auto3"/>
|China
| reconnaissance
|
|
|
|-
|[[CASC Rainbow]]<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=https://www.xcnnews.com/js/2745387.html|title=中國無人機到底有多牛?一次齊射妥妥幹掉一個坦克連|date=3 January 2018|website=xcnnews.com|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref>
|China
|surveillance
|[[CASC Rainbow#CH-5|CH-5]]
|
|
|-
|[[Yabhon United 40]]
|[[UAE]]
|surveillance
|
|
|locally produced under license<ref name="auto4"/>
|-
|[[CASIC WJ]]<ref name="auto5"/>
|China
|surveillance
|[[WJ-700]]
|
|
|-
|[[AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma|RQ-20 Puma]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1468905/|title=Contracts|publisher=US Department of Defense|date=16 March 2018|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318120429/https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1468905/|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.avinc.com/resources/press-releases/view/aerovironment-awarded-44.5-million-puma-ae-uas-contract-from-a-major-countr|title=AeroVironment Awarded $44.5 Million Puma AE UAS Contract from a Major Country in the Middle East|publisher=AeroVironment|date=6 March 2018|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318055054/https://www.avinc.com/resources/press-releases/view/aerovironment-awarded-44.5-million-puma-ae-uas-contract-from-a-major-countr|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|United States
|surveillance
|
|
| hand-launched system
|-
|[[Teledyne Ryan Scarab|324 Scarab]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/egypt-resumes-scarab-uav-upgrade-talks-215351/|title=Egypt resumes Scarab UAV upgrade talks|author=Peter La Franchi|publisher=Flight Global|date=5 July 2007|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309182732/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/egypt-resumes-scarab-uav-upgrade-talks-215351/|archive-date=9 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| United States
|surveillance
|
|
|
|-
|[[Lipán M3 ]]<ref>[https://dragonsdrones.com/drones/lipan-m3/ Dragondrones] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309120442/https://dragonsdrones.com/drones/lipan-m3/ |date=9 March 2018}} Retrieved 2 April 2018.</ref>
| [[Argentina]]
|surveillance
|
|
|
|-
|[[Meggitt Banshee]] -<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.meggitt.com/news/aerial-targetry-and-scoring-wins-for-meggitt-defence-systems/|title=Aerial targetry and scoring wins for Meggitt Defence Systems|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref>
| United Kingdom
| [[target drone]]
|
|
|
|}
|}


===Historical aircraft===
In addition to Air Force aircraft, a number of aircraft are directly under government control (Presidential Fleet), including:
{{Main|List of aircraft of the Egyptian Air Force}}
* 1 [[Airbus A340]]
* 4 [[Beechcraft King Air]]
* 1 [[Boeing 707]]
* 4 [[Boeing 737]]
* 3 [[Dassault Falcon 20]]
* 2 [[Gulfstream III]]
* 4 [[Gulfstream IV]]
* 1 [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|VC-130H Hercules]]
* 2 [[Sikorsky S-61 Sea King|Agusta AS-61 A-4 Sea King]]
* 2 [[Sikorsky S-70|Sikorsky S-70-21]].
* 4 [[Westland Sea King|Westland Commando MK-2B]]


===Future===
Other types which are have recently been in service include:
Egypt is in an advanced stage of negotiations for the purchase of the Russian strategic air lifter [[Ilyushin Il-76|Il-76MD-90A]]. The first export contracts of the aircraft were to be signed within 4–6 months after the [[MAKS (air show)|MAKS]]-2015 air show.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2212298|agency=TASS|script-title=ru:ОАК ожидает первые экспортные контракты на Ил-76МД-90А через 4–6 месяцев после МАКС-2015.|date=26 August 2015|language=ru|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403234519/http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2212298|archive-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>
* 40 [[MiG-23]] Multi-role Fighter, in reserve out of 48 received (2 donated to the USA and 6 to China)
* 48 [[Su-20|SU-20C]] Fighter Bomber, in reserve
* 80 [[Su-7|SU-7B]] Ground Attack, retired and obsolete, out of 160 received
* 120 [[Mig-17|Mig-17F]] Fighter and Ground Attack, retired and obsolete, out of more than 440 received
* 19 [[Mikoyan MiG-19]] Strike Fighter, retired and obsolete, out of more than 145 delivered
* 40 [[Shenyang J-6|F-6]] (Chinese Mig 19) Interceptor Fighter, retired and obsolete, out of 72 received
* 6 [[Shenyang J-6|FT-6]](Chinese Mig 19) Advanced Trainer, retired and obsolete, out of 18 received
* 19 [[Tupolev Tu-16]] Heavy and Long Range Bomber, retired and obsolete, out of more 32 received
* 12 [[Il-28]] Light Bomber and Maritime Patrol/reconnaissance, retired and obsolete, out of more than 120 received
* 30 [[An-12]], Most retired and in reserve, out of more than 45 received
* 119 [[L-29]], Basic Trainer, retired and obsolete out of more than 170 received
* 12 [[Mi-4]], Utility transport helicopter, retired and obsolete, out of over 140 received


In 2014, Egypt planned to sign a large arms deal with Russia for the purchase of 24 MiG-35 fighter jets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/20140422_egypt-interested-buying-24-mig-35s-russia.html|title=Egypt interested in buying 24 MiG-35s from Russia|author=News Desk|date=22 April 2014|publisher=defense-update.com|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030095133/http://defense-update.com/20140422_egypt-interested-buying-24-mig-35s-russia.html|archive-date=30 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-russia-said-close-to-deal-for-advanced-jets/|title=Russia said set to sell its top fighter jets to Egypt|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626112607/http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-russia-said-close-to-deal-for-advanced-jets/|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbth.com/blogs/2014/05/30/mig-35_the_plane_that_wont_die_35625|title=MiG-35: The plane that won't die|work=[[Russia Beyond]]|date=30 May 2014 |access-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116184632/https://www.rbth.com/blogs/2014/05/30/mig-35_the_plane_that_wont_die_35625|archive-date=16 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="defensenews" /> However, in April 2015, Egypt signed a $2&nbsp;billion contract for the purchase of 46 MiG-29M/M2 multi-role fighters instead.<ref name="migavia.ru">{{cite news|url=http://www.migavia.ru/index.php/ru/novosti/smi-o-nas/543-my-obezopasilis-ot-katastroficheskikh-posledstvij|title=Мы обезопасились от катастрофических последствий|language=ru|website=migavia.ru|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207000510/http://www.migavia.ru/index.php/ru/novosti/smi-o-nas/543-my-obezopasilis-ot-katastroficheskikh-posledstvij|archive-date=7 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/05/25/593348-soglasovan-kontrakt-na-postavku-46-istrebitelei-mig-29-v-egipet|title=Согласован контракт на поставку 46 истребителей МиГ-29 в Египет|newspaper=Ведомости|date=24 May 2015|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626164540/https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/05/25/593348-soglasovan-kontrakt-na-postavku-46-istrebitelei-mig-29-v-egipet|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Future of the Egyptian Air Force ==


[[Rosoboronexport]] and the Russian Helicopters holding are engaged in consultations with their Egyptian partners concerning a possible acquisition of [[Kamov]] [[Kamov Ka-50|Ka-52K]] ship-based helicopters for the 2 [[Mistral-class amphibious assault ship|Mistral]]-class helicopter carriers that Egypt has agreed to buy from France.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rbth.co.uk/news/2015/09/24/egypt_may_buy_some_30_ka-52k_helicopters_from_russia_for_over_1_billion_49514.html|title=Egypt may buy some 30 Ka-52K helicopters from Russia for over $1 billion|date=24 September 2015|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> An Egyptian Air Force delegation had access to the helicopter before the official opening of the [[MAKS (air show)|MAKS]]-2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/08/27/606428-novinkami-rossiiskogo-aviaproma-interesuyutsya-klienti-rosoboroneksporta-i-egipet|title=Новинками нашего авиапрома интересуются клиенты "Рособоронэкспорта" и Египет|date=26 August 2015|language=ru|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403112926/https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2015/08/27/606428-novinkami-rossiiskogo-aviaproma-interesuyutsya-klienti-rosoboroneksporta-i-egipet|archive-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>
The Egypt Air Force just recently ordered the rebuilding of their [[AH-64]]A's into the D model. [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-47D]]'s are also on order. The [[Egyptian Navy]] recently received the [[SH-2G seasprite]]'s as replacement/addition to the Sea King and Gazelle helicopters. The trainer fleet is being modernized by an order for 68 [[Grob G-115]]'s, and for the [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8]] Karakorum. The Grob's and K-8 are still being delivered.


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&nbsp;billion. Deliveries were expected to begin as early as 2020 or 2021.<ref name="EgyptJanes">{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |title=Egypt reportedly orders Su-35 fighters |url=https://www.janes.com/article/87282/egypt-reportedly-orders-su-35-fighters |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=18 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318224216/https://www.janes.com/article/87282/egypt-reportedly-orders-su-35-fighters |archive-date=18 March 2019 |location=London |date=18 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="EgyptKommersant">{{cite web |last1=Сафронов |first1=Иван |last2=Джорджевич |first2=Александра |title=Су-35 укрепят египетскую силу |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3915483 |website=Kommersant |access-date=18 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318131445/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3915483 |archive-date=18 March 2019 |date=18 March 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, deputy head of the [[Rosoboronexport]] Sergei Kornev denied any contract regarding the supply of Su-35 fighters to Egypt has been signed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/655788|title="Рособоронэкспорт" опроверг наличие контракта на поставку Су-35 Египту|website=[[Interfax]]|date=26 March 2019|access-date=17 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605020831/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/655788|archive-date=5 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 [[Sukhoi Su-35|Su-35]] and the new [[Mikoyan MiG-35|MiG-35]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/25887/Egypt_Cold_to_US_Sanctions_Threat_Over__2B_Su_35_Jets_Buy#.XsZ4_S8whvI|title=Egypt Cold to US Sanctions Threat Over $2B Su-35 Jets Buy|website=www.defenseworld.net}}</ref>
Next to these orders there is still a big wish-list which will be on hold due to budgetary constraints. Most likely the C-130's will be among the first to be replaced in the short future.


As of January 5, 2022, Egypt, Algeria, and Indonesia have cancelled plans of purchasing the SU-35.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2022/01/05/algeria-egypt-following-indonesia-cancelled-negotiation-on-russias-su-35-fighter-jets |title=Algeria, Egypt Following Indonesia, Cancelled Negotiation on Russia's Su-35 fighter jets |website=[[GlobalDefenseCorp]]|date=5 January 2022|access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref>
In the late 1990's, then Air Marshal [[Ahmed Shafik]] (and the incumbent Civil Aviation minister) expressed the ambitions of the Egyptian Air Force for the [[21st century]].


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.<ref name="F-15"/>
The EAF hopes to obtain the modern technology it needs to deter any aggression, help its allies, and protect Egyptian national security. This technology includes space and air reconnaissance systems; airborne command and control aircraft; advanced next generation fighters; and air refueling and heavy transport aircraft. Egypt is also one of many nations believed to have some interests in buying or even a complete technology transfer of the [[JF-17]] (similar to the [[F-16]]) from the Sino-Pakistani consortium.


In September 2024 it was reported that Egypt would buy Chengdu [[Chengdu J-10|J-10Cs]] to replace their American [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] fighter jets.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Fretay |first=Halna du |title=Egypt Officializes Its Choice of Chinese J-10C Fighters to Replace American F-16s |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/egypt-officializes-its-choice-of-chinese-j-10c-fighters-to-replace-american-f-16s |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>
== References ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>


==External links==
===Munitions===
{{Main|List of munitions used by the Egyptian Air Force}}


==Aircraft insignia==
*[http://www.scramble.nl/eg.htm Egyptian Air Force Overview] from Scramble
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.
*[http://www.egyptdailynews.com/egyptian%20airforce.htm/ Pictures of the Egyptian Air Force]

*http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-4163.html
===Roundels===
*http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article4.html
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%; text-align:center"
![[File:Royal Egyptian Air Force roundel (1932).svg|110px|]]
![[File:Roundel of Egypt (1932).svg|120px|]]
![[File:Royal Egyptian Air Force roundel (1939-1945).svg|130px|]]
![[File:Egyptian Air Force roundel (1945-1958).svg|130px|]]
![[File:Proposed roundel of Egypt (1952).svg|130px|]]
![[File:Roundel of Egypt (1958–1972).svg|130px]]
![[File:Roundel of Egypt.svg|130px|]]
|-
!1932–1932
!1932–1932
!1932–1945
!1945–1958
!Proposed (1952)
!1958–1972
!1972–present
|}

===Tail marking===
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%; text-align:center"
![[File:Egypt fin flash old.svg|80px|]]
![[File:Egypt fin flash.svg|150px|]]
![[File:Flag of the United Arab Republic (1958–1971), Flag of Syria (1980–2024).svg|150px|]]
![[File:Flag of Egypt (1972-1984).svg|150px|]]
![[File:Flag of Egypt.svg|150px|]]
|-
!1932–1945
!1945–1958
!1958–1972
!1972–1984
!1984–present
|}

==Egyptian Air Force ranks==
{{Main|Egyptian Air Force ranks}}
;Officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Egypt}}
|}

;Enlisted
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Egypt}}
|}


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of air forces]]
*[[National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences]]
*[[Atef Sadat]]


== Notes ==
* [[List of air forces]]
{{Reflist}}

== References ==
* {{cite book |last=Draper |first=Michael I. |title=Shadows: Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967–1970 |year=1999 |location=Aldershot, UK |publisher=Hikoki Publications |isbn=1-902109-63-5}}
* Nicolle, David. "Arab-Italian Fighters: Fiats and Macchis in Egyptian and Syrian Service 1948-1956". ''Air Enthusiast'', No. 55, Autumn 1994, pp.&nbsp;32–36. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Nicolle|first1=David|title=Faux et usage de faux... à la mode égyptienne |journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=October 2000|issue=91 |pages=21–32 |trans-title=Fakes and the Use of Fakes, in Egyptian Mode|language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Nicolle|first=David|title=Neutral Allies: The Royal Egyptian Air Force in World War Two|magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]]|date=Winter 1993|issue=52|pages=1–16 |issn=0143-5450}}
* {{cite book|last1=Nicolle |first1=David|first2=Tom |last2=Cooper |title=Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat|series=Osprey Combat Aircraft|volume=44 |place=Oxford, UK|publisher=Osprey Publishing |date=2004|isbn=978-1-84176-655-3}}.
*{{cite journal |last1=Rostaing-Tayard|first1=André|title=L'Envol d'Horus: Pionniers de l'aviation égyptienne 1929–1934: Deuxième partie: l'aviation militaire|journal=Avions |date=July–August 2020 |issue=235 |pages=78–85 |trans-title=Flights of Horus: Egyptian Aviation Pioneers 1929–1934: Part Two, Military Aviation|language=French |issn=1243-8650}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20031216161315/http://www.scramble.nl/eg.htm Egyptian Air Force Overview] from [[Scramble (magazine)|Scramble]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20141220060601/http://www.egyptdailynews.com/egyptian%20airforce.htm Pictures of the Egyptian Air Force]
*[http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-4163.html War of Attrition and the October 1973 War]
*[http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article4.html Al Quwwat al Jawwiya Ilmisriya Egyptian Air Force – EAF]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071029092340/http://defence-data.com/f2002/pagefa1042.htm Boeing Chinook modernisation programme for Egyptian Air Force is on track]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120121121431/http://www.mmc.gov.eg/Academies/AFA/default.htm Site of Egyptian Air Force Academy]


{{Military of Egypt}}
{{airlistbox}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Egyptian Air Force| ]]
[[Category:Egyptian Air Force| ]]
[[Category:1937 establishments]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1937]]
[[Category:Military aviation in Africa]]
[[Category:1937 establishments in Egypt]]


[[hu:Egyiptom hadereje#Légierő]]
[[ar:القوات الجوية المصرية]]

Latest revision as of 11:36, 26 December 2024

Egyptian Air Force
  • القوات الجوية المصرية
  • El Qūwāt El Gawīyä El Maṣrīya
Badge of the Egyptian Air Force
FoundedPart of the Egyptian Army in 1932, an independent service arm in 1937 (92 years)
Country Egypt
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size30,000 active personnel[1]
20,000 reserve personnel[1]
50,000 total personnel
1,080 aircraft[2]
Part of Egyptian Armed Forces
HeadquartersHeliopolis, 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        
Marchأغنية للقوات الجوية (Air Force Song)
Mascot(s)Golden eagle
Anniversaries14 October[3]
EngagementsList of conflicts in Egypt
Websitewww.mod.gov.eg
Commanders
Commander of the Air ForceAir Marshal Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad[4]
Chief of Air StaffAir Vice Marshal Amr Abdelrahman Sakkrr[5]
Notable
commanders
Hosni Mubarak
Ahmed Shafik
Reda Hafez
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Flag
Aircraft flown
AttackAlpha Jet, Wing Loong II, E-June 30SW
Electronic
warfare
E-2C, Beechcraft 1900, Commando Mk.2E
FighterF-16A/B/C/D, Mirage 2000EM, Rafale DM/EM, MiG-29M/M2
HelicopterAW109, AW139, AW149, AW189, UH-60M, S-70, SA342L
Attack helicopterKa-52E, AH-64D/E, Mi-24V, Mi-17, SA342L
Cargo helicopterCH-47D, Commando Mk.1/2B, Mi-8, Mi-17
PatrolSH-2G
ReconnaissanceM-324, E-June 30SW, Mirage 5SDR, AT-802
TrainerK-8E, L-39, MiG-29UB, Mirage 2000BM, Mirage 5SDD, Alpha Jet, EMB 312, G-115
TransportC-130H, IL-76MF, C-295, An-74, DHC-5, Beechcraft 1900

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) (Arabic: القوات الجوية المصرية, romanizedEl 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

[edit]

Establishment (Royal Egyptian Air Force)

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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)

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
Egyptian Air Force is located in Egypt
Abu Suweir
Abu Suweir
Mansurah
Mansurah
Aswan
Aswan
Zaqaziq
Zaqaziq
Beni Suef
Beni Suef
Bilbays
Bilbays
Almaza
Almaza
Cairo/Intl
Cairo/Intl
Cairo/West
Cairo/West
Minya
Minya
Fayid
Fayid
G-e-Basur
G-e-Basur
Hurghada
Hurghada
Jiyanklis
Jiyanklis
Kom Awshim
Kom Awshim
Mersa Matruh
Mersa Matruh
Jandali
Jandali
Air bases of the Egyptian Air Force: Egyptian Air Force bases

Air bases

[edit]

Source:[47]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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]
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-47C 3[81]
Kamov Ka-52 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

[edit]

Future

[edit]

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

[edit]

Aircraft insignia

[edit]

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

[edit]
1932–1932 1932–1932 1932–1945 1945–1958 Proposed (1952) 1958–1972 1972–present

Tail marking

[edit]
1932–1945 1945–1958 1958–1972 1972–1984 1984–present

Egyptian Air Force ranks

[edit]
Officers
Rank group General/Flag/Air officers Senior officers Junior officers
 Egyptian Air Force
فريق أول‎‎
Fariq 'awal
فريق
Fariq
لواء
Liwa
عميد
Amid
عقيد
Aqid
مقدم
Muqaddam
رائد
Ra'id
نقيب
Naqib
ملازم أول
Mulazim awwal
ملازم
Mulazim
Enlisted
Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
 Egyptian Air Force
مساعد أول
Mosa'id awwal
مساعد
Mosa'id
رقيب أول
Raqib awwal
رقيب
Raqib
عريف
'arif
جندي
Jundi

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
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References

[edit]
  • Draper, Michael I. (1999). Shadows: Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967–1970. Aldershot, UK: Hikoki Publications. ISBN 1-902109-63-5.
  • Nicolle, David. "Arab-Italian Fighters: Fiats and Macchis in Egyptian and Syrian Service 1948-1956". Air Enthusiast, No. 55, Autumn 1994, pp. 32–36. ISSN 0143-5450
  • Nicolle, David (October 2000). "Faux et usage de faux... à la mode égyptienne" [Fakes and the Use of Fakes, in Egyptian Mode]. Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (91): 21–32. ISSN 1243-8650.
  • Nicolle, David (Winter 1993). "Neutral Allies: The Royal Egyptian Air Force in World War Two". Air Enthusiast. No. 52. pp. 1–16. ISSN 0143-5450.
  • Nicolle, David; Cooper, Tom (2004). Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat. Osprey Combat Aircraft. Vol. 44. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-655-3..
  • Rostaing-Tayard, André (July–August 2020). "L'Envol d'Horus: Pionniers de l'aviation égyptienne 1929–1934: Deuxième partie: l'aviation militaire" [Flights of Horus: Egyptian Aviation Pioneers 1929–1934: Part Two, Military Aviation]. Avions (in French) (235): 78–85. ISSN 1243-8650.
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