So as we know the situation in Egypt is becoming precarious.
There is the possibility that Egypt will go down the road of Syria/Libya or even possibly Iran.
Whereas the world can tolerate a hostile Islamist Iran or an imploding Syria, Egypt is a bit different for following reasons:
1. Suez Canal. Any closure of this could be disastrous for world economy as shipping costs skyrocket.
2. Egypt has a prominent position in Mediterranean from which it could threaten security interests of a number of countries (unlike Syria which is nestled in a corner).
3. Egypt has a lot of advanced if somewhat downgraded weapons that could be destablising to the region.
4. If Egypt turns against Israel, this could lead to same situation as 1947-1973.
1956 Scenario
US led Coalition smashes Egyptian AD and lands troops to secure canal.
1967 Scenario
Massed Israeli air/missile strike to destroy Syrian forces.
Limited occupation of Sinai to create buffer zone (Sinai has become hot bed of Islamist activity and attacks on Israel: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/08/how-the-israeli-drone-strike-in-the-sinai-might-backfire/278628/ )
Egyptian Air and Air Defence Force
about 200 F-16A-D – no AMRAAM, only AIM-7
18 Mirage 2000
30-ish F-4E Phantom
50-ish Mirage 5
40-ish Alpha Jet
120-ish MiG-21/F-7B
6 E-2C (upgraded to Hawkeye 2000)
various EW EC-130H, B1900, Mi-8.
Patriot PAC-3
I-HAWK
Chapperal
Stinger (including Avenger platforms)
Crotale NG
Skyguard
SA-2
SA-3
SA-6
SA-15
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August 15, 2013 at 5:43 am