Egyptian Air Force

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) is one of the most formidable air forces in the Middle East and North Africa. With a mix of Western and Eastern technology, the EAF has diversified its capabilities over the years. Historically dependent on Soviet and American hardware, Egypt has expanded its suppliers to include France and other European nations, thereby reducing dependency on any single source. This allows the EAF greater strategic flexibility, as it's not tied to the political considerations of one superpower.

The core of the Egyptian Air Force is made up of multirole fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Dassault Rafale. These platforms offer a balanced mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, essential for both defensive and offensive operations. The inclusion of the Russian MiG-29M/M2 and the more advanced Su-35 further broadens its spectrum of capabilities, particularly in air-to-air combat.

Egypt has also made significant investments in airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems, as well as air-to-air refueling capabilities. These force multipliers extend the operational reach and effectiveness of the Egyptian Air Force, allowing it to undertake more prolonged and distant missions.

In terms of training and operational readiness, the EAF has shown a commitment to modernization and skill development. Joint exercises with allied nations, like the United States and some Gulf states, have helped improve interoperability and tactical prowess.

However, its diverse range of equipment from various countries may pose logistical and maintenance hurdles. Although diversified, this spread of technology requires a sophisticated logistical system to ensure smooth operability, which can strain resources and complicate training. Additionally, the regional balance of power, particularly with Israel's highly advanced air force, requires Egypt to continually update its strategy and technology to maintain a credible deterrent.

Key facts

Official Name	Egyptian Air Force
Local Name	القوات الجوية المصرية (Al Quwwāt al Jawwīyah al Miṣrīyah)
Country	🇪🇬 Egypt
World rank	#8
Active aircrafts	1077 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	104
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Training	341
Helicopters	333
Combat aircrafts	333
Transport	59
Special missions	11

Aircrafts most used by Egyptian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
F-16 Fighting Falcon	218	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
JL-8	119	Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.
SA340 Gazelle	89	French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Mirage III / 5 / 50	81	French jet fighter-bomber, notable for its role in multiple conflicts globally since the 1960s, including the Six-Day War.
G-115	74	German training aircraft, extensively utilized for United Kingdom's Royal Air Force Cadets and military aviation worldwide since the 1980s.
Mi-8 Hip	62	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
EMB 312 Tucano	54	Brazilian military trainer aircraft, utilized heavily in the 1980s, known for participation in the Iran–Iraq war.
AH-64 Apache	46	American attack helicopter, developed during the Cold War, most famous for significant deployments in Gulf War and Afghanistan conflict.
MiG-29 Fulcrum	44	Soviet twin-engine fighter jet, notable in late Cold War clashes, widely exported and integral to various aerial engagements globally.
Alphajet	40	French-German trainer jet, known for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pilot training, used particularly from late 1970s onward.

Full inventory in 2024