After closing 30 Rafale jets deal earlier in May, Egyptian president meets CEO of Dassault Aviation

CAIRO – 17 May 2021: During his visit to Paris, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received Sunday Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation producing Rafale fighter jets.

Presidency Spokesperson Bassam Rady indicated in a statement that the president expressed Egypt's appreciation for the extended and fruitful coordination with Dassault Aviation as it reflects the deep defense cooperation between Egypt and France. The president also noted that the military pieces produced by the company are an addition to the capabilities of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

On his side, Trappier stressed Dassault Aviation's keenness on developing its existing cooperation with Egypt, which is one of its main partners worldwide. He also noted that Egypt plays a key role in reinforcing the roots of satiability and security in the Middle East, Eastern the Mediterranean, and Africa. That is in addition to its preeminent efforts internationally to combat terrorism.

Egypt signed a contract with the French Dassault Aviation company to purchase 30 Rafale fighter jets, announced the Egyptian Armed Forces in a statement on May 3, 2021.

The deal will be financed by a loan that will be repaid over 10 years, the statement said, adding that Egypt had signed a contract in 2015 with France to get 24 Rafale fighter jets for the Egyptian Air Force. The 24 Rafale aircraft were part of a deal valued at €5.3 billion ($5.9 billion). Rafale was first introduced in the French Air Defense in 2006.

The aircraft has a multi-sensor data fusion, and “has the potential to integrate a variety of current and future armaments.”

Rafale jets in Egypt took part in training activities, securing Egyptian vital areas, operations to combat terrorism, and aviation shows when inaugurating Mohamed Naguib airbase, the largest in MENA region.