Is Egyptian air force interested in chinese J-10c fighter jets ?

There is growing speculation that Egypt is considering acquiring the Chinese J-10C Vigorous Dragon fighter jet to modernise its air fleet. It is also exploring Korean FA-50 fighters.

The debut of the J-10C Vigorous Dragon at the Egypt International Air Show in September 2024 sparked a flurry of speculations that Egypt was considering purchasing the Chinese aircraft.

Later, in February 2025, some local Egyptian publications even claimed that the country had secured the delivery of the aircraft from China. The claims were later dismissed as “fake news” by the Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian. 

However, a video footage of an Egyptian pilot sitting in the J-10C during the Eagles of Civilisation 2025 joint air drills in April 2025, once again triggered speculation that a potential acquisition might be on the cards.

While reports late last month indicated that Egypt was more inclined towards the South Korean FA-50, a recent report in South Korea’s Chosun Daily said that the alleged success of Pakistani J-10C fighter jets against Indian warplanes could make the Chinese aircraft a more desirable option for the Egyptian Air Force.

However, if Egypt actually goes ahead with the J-10C over the Korean FA-50, it would become the second country (after Pakistan) to acquire the 4.5th-generation Chinese combat aircraft.

The Egyptian Air Force currently comprises American, Russian, and French fighter jets. Interestingly, it could become the only country to operate French Rafale and Chinese J-10C fighters. What makes it so significant is that both of these warplanes were used in the recent India-Pakistan conflict.

Egypt currently has more than 200 F-16s, making it the fourth largest operator of the combat-hardened Fighting Falcons.