Egyptian Air Force
القوات الجوية المصرية |
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| Founded |
1930 (as part of the army)
1937 (as an independent service)
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| Country |
 Egypt |
| Branch |
Air Force |
| Type |
Military Aviation |
| Role |
Aerial Warfare |
| Size |
884 combat aircraft,375 armed helicopters, 75 support aircraft.There are an Estimated 100–150 Mig 35 on Order
50,000 Personnel (including 20,000 in reserve)[1] |
| Part of |
Egyptian Armed Forces |
| Garrison/HQ |
Oruba street, Nasr City, Cairo |
| Motto |
'Higher and higher for the sake of glory' (Arabic: إلى العلا في سبيل المجد, I‘la’ al-a‘là fī sabīl al-magd) |
| Anniversaries |
14th of October (Mansura Air Battle)[2] |
| Engagements |
see History |
| Commanders |
| Commander – Egyptian Air Force |
Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed |
| Chief of Air Staff |
Yehya Hossain Abd ElHamed Hossain[3] |
Notable
commanders |
Hosni Mubarak
Ahmed Shafik |
| Insignia |
| Roundel |
 |
| Insignia |
Egyptian Air Force ranks |
| Aircraft flown |
| Attack |
Alpha Jet MS.2, L-59, F-4 |
Electronic
warfare |
Beechcraft 1900, C-130, Commando Mk.2E, E-2HE2K, Mi-8 |
| Fighter |
F-16, MiG-21, Mirage V |
| Attack helicopter |
AH-64, Mi-8, SA-342 |
| Interceptor |
J-7, Mirage 2000 |
| Patrol |
Beechcraft 1900, SA-342 |
| Reconnaissance |
M-324, Mi-8, Mirage V |
| Trainer |
EMB 312, G-115, K-8, L-39, UH-12 |
| Transport |
An-74, C-130, C-295, DHC-5 |
The Egyptian Air Force, or EAF (Arabic: القوات الجوية المصرية, Al-Qūwāt al-Gawwīyä al-Miṣrīyä), is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The EAF is headed by an Air Marshal (Lieutenant General equivalent). Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed. The force's motto is 'Higher and higher for the sake of glory' (Arabic: إلى العلا في سبيل المجد, I‘la’ al-a‘là fī sabīl al-magd). Currently the EAF has over 885 combat aircraft and 375 armed helicopters. The backbone of the Egyptian Air Force are 240 F-16 fighters. The Egyptian Air Force is the 4th largest operator of F-16's in the world, after the United States, Israel, and Turkey.[4]
Egyptian Air Force Insignia (1937–1958)
Royal Egyptian Air Force ensign
First three Egyptian pilots
In late 1928, the Parliament of Egypt proposed the creation of an Egyptian Air Force. The Egyptian ministry of war announced that it needed volunteers for the new arm to become the first four Egyptian military pilots. Over 200 Egyptian officers volunteered, but in the end only three succeeded in passing strict medical tests and technical examinations.
These three went to British Royal Air Force number 4 Flying Training School at Abu Suwayer near the Suez Canal, where they were trained on a variety of aircraft. After graduation they travelled to the United Kingdom for specialised training.
On 2 November 1930, the King of Egypt and Sudan, Fuad I announced the creation of the Egyptian Army Air Force (EAAF) and in September 1931, the British de Havilland aircraft company won a contract to supply Egypt with 10 de Havilland Gipsy Moth trainers.
The first commander of the EAAF was Canadian squadron leader Victor Hubert Tait. Tait selected staff and weapons and built air-bases. In 1934 the British government provided 10 Avro 626 aircraft, which were the first real Egyptian military planes. A further 17 626s together with Hawker Audaxes for army cooperation and close support and Avro Ansons for VIP work followed shortly afterward.
In 1937 the Egyptian Army Air Force was separated from the army command and became an independent branch named the Royal Egyptian Air Force (REAF). New bases were built in the Suez Canal Zone, and the Western Desert.
In 1938, the REAF received 2 squadrons of Gloster Gladiator biplane fighters and a squadron of then-modern Westland Lysander reconnaissance aircraft, (Egypt was the last state to use the Lysander in action, during the Palestine War of 1948.
Main article:
World War IIAs the Egyptian border was threatened by an Italian and German invasion during the Second World War, the Royal Air Force established more bases in Egypt. The Egyptian Air Force was sometimes treated as a part of the Royal Air Force, at other times a strict policy of neutrality was followed as Egypt maintained its official neutrality until very late in the war. As a result, few additional aircraft were supplied by Britain, however the arm did receive its first modern fighters, Hawker Hurricanes and a small number of Curtiss P-40 Tomahawks. In the immediate post-war period, cheap war surplus aircraft, including a large number of Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXs were acquired.
Following the British withdrawal from Palestine and the establishment of the State of Israel on 14 May 1948, Egyptian forces crossed into Palestine as part of a wider Arab League military coalition in support of the Palestinians against the Israelis. The Egyptian Air Force contribution included the Short Stirling bomber, C-47 Dakotas performing as light bombers and Spitfires. Two Israeli aircraft were shot down. On 22 May, Egyptian Spitfires attacked the British RAF airfield at Ramat David, believing the base had already been taken over by Israeli forces. The first raid surprised the British, and resulted in the destruction of several RAF aircraft on the ground, and the deaths of four airmen. The British were uncertain whether the attacking Spitfires had come from Arab or Israeli forces. When second and third raids followed shortly afterward, they met a well prepared response, and the entire Egyptian force was shot down – the last aircraft being baited for some time as the RAF pilots attempted to get a close look at its markings.
Relations with Britain were soon restored and the continuing official state of war with Israel ensured that arms purchases continued. New Spitfire Mk. 22s were purchased to replace the earlier models. In late 1949, Egypt received its first jet fighter, the British Gloster Meteor F4, and shortly after De Havilland Vampire FB5s.
After the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, the Egyptian Government was determined to move away from reliance on British armaments. In 1955, under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt began acquiring weaponry, including aircraft, from the Soviet Union. Initial Soviet deliveries included MiG-15 fighters, Ilyushin Il-28 bombers, Il-14 transports, and Yak-11 trainers. Instructors from Czechoslovakia accompanied these aircraft. This period in the Egyptian Air Force's history also yielded the first indigenous aircraft production as the country began manufacturing its own Czechoslovak-designed Gomhouria Bü 181 Bestmann primary trainers.
Main article:
Suez CrisisAfter the Egyptian Government's nationalisation of the Suez Canal in 1956, Egypt was attacked by Israel, France, and the United Kingdom in what came to be known as the Suez Crisis. Heavy losses were sustained by the Egyptian side. The conflict, though devastating militarily, turned out to be a political victory for Egypt, and resulted in the total withdrawal of the tri-nation aggressor forces from the country. It also forced the EAF to begin rebuilding with non-British help.
In 1958, Egypt merged with Syria to form the United Arab Republic, and the previously separate Egyptian, and Syrian forces were combined as the United Arab Republic Air Force. Though Syria left the union in 1961, Egypt continued to use the union's official name until 1971, including for its air force.
By the mid-1960s, British aircraft had been replaced completely by Soviet hardware. The Soviet Union became the principal supplier of the EAF, and many other Arab states. This allowed the EAF to greatly modernise and boost its combat effectiveness. The MiG-21 Fishbed arrived in the early 1960s, bringing with it a Mach 2 capability. The MiG-21 would remain Egypt's primary fighter for the next two decades. In 1967, Egypt had 200 MiG-21s. The EAF also began flying the Sukhoi Su-7 fighter/bomber in the mid-1960s.
Egypt also began the Helwan HA-300 as its first supersonic aircraft. It never went beyond its 3 prototypes and initial test fights then was abandoned due to hight military cost inflicted upon the Egyptian military involvement in the Yemen War and the defeat in the 1967 war with Israel.
The Yemeni Royalist side received support from Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, while the Yemeni Republicans were supported by Egypt. The fighting was fierce, featuring heavy urban combat as well as battles in the countryside. Both foreign irregular and conventional forces were also involved.
Strategically, the Yemen War was an opportunity for Israel. It stagnated Egyptian military plans for the reinforcement of the Sinai by shifting the Egyptian military focus to another theater of operation. Egyptian historian Mohammed Heikal writes that Israel provided arms shipments and also cultivated relationships with hundreds of European mercenaries fighting for the Royalists in Yemen. Israel established a covert air-supply bridge from Djibouti to North Yemen. The war also gave Israelis the opportunity to assess Egyptian combat tactics and adaptability.
Egyptian air and naval forces began bombing and shelling raids in the Saudi southwestern city of Najran and the coastal town of Jizan, which were staging points for royalist forces. In response, the Saudis purchased a British Thunderbird air defense system and developed their airfield in Khamis Mushayt. Riyadh also attempted to convince the United States to respond on its behalf. President Kennedy sent only a wing of jet fighters and bombers to Dhahran Airbase, demonstrating to Egypt the seriousness of his commitment to defending U.S. interests in Saudi Arabia.
Main article:
Six-Day WarIn the 1967 Six-Day War the EAF's combat capacity was severely damaged after the Israeli Air Force destroyed its airbases in a preemptive strike codenamed Operation Focus. During the last four days the EAF conducted only 150 sorties against Israeli units throughout the Sinai.[5] After the war, the Soviet Union replenished EAF stocks, sending large numbers of aircraft and advisors to Egypt to revitalize the EAF.
The years between 1967 and 1970 involved a prolonged campaign of attrition against Israel. The EAF went through a massive construction program to build new air bases in order to increase its survivability. During this period Egypt also received replacements for losses it suffered during the Six Day War. The EAF was the first branch of the Egyptian armed forces to achieve full combat readiness.
Main article:
Yom Kippur WarThe EAF was involved in the raid with over 220 aircraft taking part in the initial phase. Unlike their Syrian counterparts, EAF aircraft evaded Israeli radars by flying below detection height. Their attacks largely went undetected and the IAF's belated response flew right into the teeth[citation needed] of the Egyptian air defence umbrella.
EAF aircraft were held in reserve after that point, mainly concentrating on airfield defence in conjunction with the SA-3 'Pechora', while the more mobile SA-6 'Gainful' protected Egyptian forces at low and medium level, aided by the ZSU-23-4SP and shoulder-held SA-7 SAMs.
Despite these limitations, the EAF conducted offensive sorties from time to time. The Su-7BM was used for quick strafe attacks on Israeli columns and the Mirage IIIE (sometimes confused with the Mirage 5), donated by Libya, carried out long-range attacks deep inside Sinai at Bir Gifgafa.
However, when Israeli armoured forces used a gap between the two Egyptian armies to cross the Suez Canal (Operation Stouthearted Men), they destroyed several Egyptian SAM sites, forcing the EAF into battle against the IAF. The EAF claimed victories and continued to contest IAF operations, while also launching attacks on Israeli ground forces on the East Bank of the Suez Canal. In most of these engagements, Egyptian MiG-21s (of all types) challenged Israeli Mirage IIICJs or Neshers[citation needed]. However, Israel was able to maintain a degree of air superiority, thus was able to attack Egyptian ground forces more freely.
The IAF did not operate freely and did not have complete air supremacy it enjoyed during the previous conflict, the 1967 war. Egyptian MiGs were used with better efficiency than before which included the tactics and lessons learned from the 1967 war[citation needed].
It was during this war that the EAF applied the lessons it earlier learnt from the Israelis. A 32-year-old deputy MiG-21 regiment commander who has been flying since he was 15 recalls: "During the war of attrition, the Israeli air force had a favorite ambush tactic", he told Aviation Week and Space Technology. "They would penetrate with two aircraft at medium altitude where they would be quickly picked up by radar, We would scramble four or eight to attack them. But they had another dozen fighters trailing at extremely low altitude below radar coverage. As we climbed to the attack they would zoom up behind and surprise us. My regiment lost MiGs to this ambush tactic three times. But we learned the lesson and practiced the same tactics. In the final fights over Deversoir, we ambushed some Mirages the same way, and my own 'finger four' formation shot down four Mirages with the loss of one MiG."[6]
On 14 October 1973, Israel launched a large scale raid with over 250 aircraft – F-4 Phantoms and A-4 Skyhawks – attempting to hit the large air base at el-Mansourah. It culminated in an almost continuous dogfight lasting no less than 53 minutes. According to Egyptian estimates over 180 aircraft were involved at one time, the majority belonging to the Israelis. At 10 pm local time, Cairo Radio broadcast "Communiqué Number 39", announcing that there had been several air battles that day over a number of Egyptian airfields, that most intensive being over the northern Delta area. It also claimed that 15 enemy aircraft had been downed by Egyptian fighters for the loss of three Egyptian aircraft, while an even greater number of Israelis had been shot down by the Army and the Air Defense Forces over Sinai and the Suez Canal. For its part, Israel Radio claimed, early the following morning, that the IAF had shot down 15 Egyptian aircraft, a figure subsequently reduced to seven.[7]
Later on, the Egyptian Government changed the country’s "Air Force Day" from 2 November to 14 October, to commemorate the Mansourah air battle.[7]
During the Libyan-Egyptian War, there were some skirmishes between Libyan and Egyptian fighter jets. In one instance, two LARAF MiG-23MS engaged two EAF MiG-21MF that had been upgraded to carry Western weaponry. The Libyan pilots made the mistake of trying to manoeuvre with the more nimble Egyptian fighters, and one MiG-23MS was shot down by EAF Maj. Sal Mohammad, while the other Libyan aircraft used its speed advantage to escape. [8]
Operation Bright Star is a joint exercise conducted every two years in Egypt. It was first conducted during the summer of 1980 as a single service bilateral event involving only the ground forces of Egypt and the United States. However, from 1985 onwards Operation Bright Star began to evolve, as air forces of both the U.S. and Egypt started participating in addition to the ground forces. Starting in 1987 the Navy and Special Operations Forces from both countries also joined in the exercise.
At present other allied nations such as France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom also take part in the exercises.
The Camp David Accords caused a change in the overall composition of the EAF. They began to rely more and more on American, French and in some cases on Chinese aircraft. The addition of these aircraft from multiple sources along with the ones already in the EAF inventory gave it an interesting composition. In 1982, the EAF began receiving F-16 fighters under the Peace Vector Program. The EAF received a total of 220 F-16s so far. 18 aircraft were lost in accidents and 7 F-16A/Bs were grounded. These grounded F-16A/Bs were later overhauled, upgraded and returned to active service, additional F-16s were acquired to replace the lost ones. In 1986, the EAF received Mirage 2000 fighters, one lost in a training accident. Egypt also license built Alphajets, Tucano airplanes and Westland Gazelle helicopters. In 1987 the E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) entered service and was upgraded with advanced AN/APS-145 radars. The EAF also upgraded its F-16 fighters to C/D standard that enabled them to fire the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.
The EAF currently operates 35 AH-64 Apache attack helicopter which were initially delivered as AH-64A variant but were later upgraded to AH-64D standard.[9] On 22 May 2009, Egypt requested the purchase of 36 Apache Arrowhead sensor systems as part of an order for 12 Block II AH-64D Apache helicopters.
The Egyptian Navy recently received the SH-2G Seasprite to supplement their Sea King and Gazelle helicopters.[10] 74 Grob G-115's and 120 K-8 Karakorum trainers were also ordered.[10]
During the late 1990s, then Air Marshal Ahmed Shafik (the former Civil Aviation minister till 2011) outlined an ambitious modernization program for the Egyptian Air Force in the 21st century. The EAF planned to obtain the modern technology it needed to deter any foreign aggression, help its allies and protect national security interests. This modernization included the integration of space and air reconnaissance systems, acquisition of airborne command and control capability, aerial refueling capability, advanced next generation fighters and heavy transport aircraft.
As part of the modernization plan, in 2002 Egypt requested 12 F-15E Strike Eagle strike fighter from the US. Israel quickly moved to block the sale, citing that in all Egypt's recent military exercises Israel was the target. The Americans refused to ban the sale of F-15 to Egypt at first but later succumbed to the Israeli pressure when Israel presented evidence that Israel was in fact the "enemy" in all of Egypt's military exercises.[11][12][13]
Due to the refusal of the US government to sell the F-15's and due to the failed deal for 60–100 F-16C/D Block 50/52 worth $4.5 billion in 2005; on 6 November 2006 the Egyptian Government began negotiation with Mikoyan over the possible purchase of 40 MiG-29SMT fighters.
In 2007, Egypt further examined prospects for delivery of a even larger batch of 60–80 MiG-29SMTs, 20–25 Sukhoi Su-35 for air superiority role and 24–40 Yak-130 in the advanced trainer/light support role to replace the aging Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet. The deal was also encouraged by Russia in an effort to regain Egypt as a regional ally. However, these deals have not been confirmed yet. Negotiations were held again in 2010 with possible sale in the near future.[14]
Egypt had also made several deals with Ukrainian companies for the modernization of their old MiG-21 fleet. The upgrade will include the implementation of Helmet-mounted-sight and R-73 missiles coupled with LCDs and engines modifications. It is not clear however, that whether these upgrades will include the insertion of the Kopyo Radar.[15][16][17]
Egyptian Air Force ordered 20 Lockheed Martin Advanced Block 52 F-16C/D jets. The contract is set to complete in 2013 and includes 16 single-seat F-16C and four twin-seat F-16D aircraft. The deal was announced on 3 March 2010.[18] This order includes associated support equipments and JDAM kits to upgrade the Mk-84 GP bombs already in service with EAF.[citation needed]
Egypt also showed interest in Chinese/Pakistani JF-17, Egypt is currently discussing a deal with Pakistan to co-produce the JF-17 for the Egyptian Air force. The JF-17 is competing against the MiG-29 in an Egyptian tender for 32 fighter aircraft.[citation needed]
The Roundel of the EAF consists of three circles, with the outside one being red, the middle one white, and the inner one being black. These are the colors of the Egyptian flag.
The former roundels of the EAF included a similar variant with two green stars used from 1961 to 1973, and one with the old Egyptian crescent and three stars on a green background.
The following individuals have had command of the Egyptian Air Force:[19]
- ^ "Ministry of Defense-Egypt". GlobalSecurity.org. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/egypt/airforce.htm. Retrieved 5 January 2009.
- ^ Nicolle, David; Sherif Sharmy (24 September 2003). "Battle of el-Mansourah". Middle East Database. Air Combat Information Group. http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_266.shtml. Retrieved 5 January 2009.
- ^ http://www.mmc.gov.eg/branches/AIRFORCE/chfstaff2011.htm
- ^ F-16 Air Forces – Egypt
- ^ Kenneth M. Pollack, Mark Grimsley, Peter Maslowski, Arabs at War: Military Effectiveness, 1948–1991,University of Nebraska Press, 2004 p.170
- ^ Hosni Mubarak – Air Force Hero
- ^ a b "Battle of el-Mansourah". 24 September 2003. http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_266.shtml. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
- ^ Libya & Egypt, 1971–1979
- ^ Boeing: Boeing, U.S. Army Sign Contract for 35 Egyptian AH-64D Apaches
- ^ a b Scramble on the Web – Egyptian Air Force
- ^ Shifting sands, changing prospects – Jane's Defence News[dead link]
- ^ Israel warns against Syria obtaining new weapons – Jane's Defence News[dead link]
- ^ . http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_19990313/ai_n10484193. [dead link]
- ^ http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?183409-Russia-can-supply-MiG-29-Su-35-fighters-to-Egypt-Rosoboronexport
- ^ RUSSIA-INDIA-EGYPT-MIG-UKRAINE. | Ukraine News (April , 2006)
- ^ Daily News Egypt – Full Article
- ^ Middle East Newsline
- ^ Egyptian Military Purchase.
- ^ Commanders
- ^ Air Force
- ^ V H Tait
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ http://www.mmc.gov.eg/branches/AIRFORCE/force9.htm
- ^ http://www.mmc.gov.eg/branches/AIRFORCE/force10.htm
- ^ a b Air Force
- ^ [1]
- ^ The Air Force
- ^ The Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ Air Force
- ^ http://www.mmc.gov.eg/branches/AIRFORCE/cv1.htm
- ^ Air Vice Marshal
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