The Egyptian Air Force has taken delivery of two II-76 transport aircraft from Jordan as it continues to develop its strategic military capabilities in recent months. Russian state arms holding company confirmed that Russia had allowed Jordan to transfer the aircraft to Egypt.
The re-export provision shows Russian flexibility in resolving vital issues of the partners in arming the national armed forces as well as its resolve to create allies in Africa where it has shown interest. Egypt is apparently aiming to buy eight Il-76MFs to bolster its strategic airlift fleet, which is quite limited.
Egypt is the only operator of the Il-76MF, a stretched version of the Il-76MD transport aircraft with a fuselage that has been lengthened by two additional 3.3-meter sections in front of and behind the wing, increasing the cargo compartment’s volume and aircraft payload.
The aircrafts will come as an additional welcome to the Egyptian fleet and facilitate transport and supplies movement for the troops. The crafts will aid in the fight against ISIS which has an active province in the volatile Sinai region.
