US to deliver eight F-16 aircraft to Egypt

All eight from this first batch will arrive by Friday, with four more to be delivered later this year.

 

“The F-16s provide a valuable capability that is needed during these times of regional instability,” the statement quoted senior embassy defence official Major General Charles Hooper as saying.

 

“Extremists threaten regional security and these weapon systems provide a new tool to help Egypt fight terrorism.”

 

In addition, the United States will continue providing follow-on support, maintenance and training for Egyptian pilots and ground crews.

 

Egypt has been battling jihadists in the Sinai Peninsula, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, and Washington has backed its efforts.

 

It has also voiced growing concern about the jihadist presence in its western neighbor Libya, where IS has exploited a power struggle between rival governments to expand its presence.

 

In February, Egyptian air strikes targeted IS positions in Libya after the group posted a video showing the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians, all but one of them Egyptians.

 

No details have been made available on Sunday’s talks, which will be co-chaired by Kerry and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

 

Despite lifting its freeze on military aid, Washington has kept up public condemnation of the repression by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi against Morsi’s supporters.

 

Earlier this month Egypt received delivery of three Rafale fighter jets from France, the first of 24 warplanes sold in a 5.2 billion euro ($5.6 billion) deal earlier this year.

 

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