WASHINGTON [MENL] — Egypt has entered the advanced stage of negotiations for the procurement of up to 100 advanced F-16s from the United States.
Industry sources and officials said the regime of President Hosni Mubarak plans to conclude negotiations for the purchase of between 60 and 100 F-16 multi-role fighters in a sale estimated at up to $4.5 billion. They said Egypt wants to obtain U.S. approval for the F-16 purchase during 2005.
“The Egyptians are planning a major modernization of its air force and seeks to replace its older F-16s and bolster their overall fleet,” an industry source said. “They’ve been talking at all levels — government and industry.”
The officials and sources said Egypt has sought to purchase the F-16 Block 50 aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin. They said the proposed deal would include advanced weapons, avionics, electronic warfare and a helmet-mounted cueing system.
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March 17, 2005 at 12:15 am