The Egyptian Air Force offers an intriguing case study in procurement decisions, replete as it is with half a dozen types of fast jet, and with more diversity likely in the near future. Jim Winchester reports
Despite a relatively modest official defence budget, Cairo continues to spend large on fighter purchases. A desire to reduce the effect of sanctions has seen the al Quwwat al Jawwiya Il Misiriya (Arab Republic of Egypt Air Force) – also known as the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) – swing back and forth between Eastern and Western suppliers, with several major deals in the balance.