Egypt confirms $4.75 bn fighter jet deal with France

Human rights groups slammed the deal, which is backed by French government loans.
One of three French-made Rafale fighter jets for the Egyptian air force is pictured at an air base in the southern France city of Istres on July 20, 2015.
One of three French-made Rafale fighter jets for the Egyptian air force is pictured at an air base in the southern France city of Istres on July 20, 2015. - BORIS HORVAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Egypt’s Defense Ministry confirmed today that it signed an agreement to buy 30 Rafale fighter jets from France in what an investigative group says is a $4.75 billion arms deal.

France’s government confirmed on Tuesday it will begin delivering the jets in 2024. Defense Minister Florence Parly said in a statement that the deal is crucial for France’s “sovereignty” and will create 7,000 jobs.

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