Egypt’s military confirmed to have ordered 30 Rafale jets from French defense firm Dassault Aviation in a move to bolster its national security.
The mega defense acquisition worth almost four billion euros ($4.8 billion) follows the 2015 purchase of 24 Rafale jets, will be financed through a 10-year loan, according to the Egyptian military sources.
Egypt among the world’s third-biggest arms importer after Saudi Arabia and India, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The African country has in the years diversified its sourcing beyond the United States, purchasing military hardware from France, Germany and Russia.
According to French Defense Minister Florence Parly, the new Rafale jet deal “reinforces the strategic and military partnership between France and Egypt. The defense Minister also underscored the strategic partnership also see both countries cooperate in the fight against terrorism.
Egypt and France enjoy a close relationship built on mutual security interests.
