Egypt is to buy an extra 21 Lockheed Martin F-16Cs to complete the re-equipment of two airbases. A letter of request has been received by the US Government. Authorisation for the deal is expected by the end of May, enabling deliveries to begin in 1999 and continue into 2000.
Egypt already operates more than 160 F-16s (a combination of A/Bs and more-capable C/Ds) and the new aircraft would be built to the same configuration as its existing F-16Cs. In the longer term, Egypt has a requirement for further F-16s to replace its 80 Dassault Mirage 5s.
This latest Egyptian batch, plus a resumption of F-16C production for the US Air Force, is expected to extend the line beyond the year 2000. Lockheed Martin forecasts at least 500 more F-16 sales, 60-80% of them from existing customers.
Source: Flight International
