Discussions between the United States and Egypt over a potential sale of F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets have entered a renewed phase, but no agreement has been finalized, according to a report describing the status of ongoing negotiations.
The talks, which regained attention in November 2025, follow months of delays and uncertainty about whether the deal will proceed.
Although senior U.S. officials have previously spoken about the possibility of supplying the aircraft to Egypt, the U.S. government has not submitted a formal notification to Congress. This step would be required to move the deal forward. Without it, there is no clear timeline for delivery. The aircraft in question are variants of the F-15, a heavyweight fighter aircraft long used by the U.S. Air Force and several regional partners.
In 2022, General Frank McKenzie, then serving as the head of U.S. Central Command, described the process of providing F-15s to Egypt as a “long and difficult effort.” That assessment continues to reflect the situation. While media outlets have reported that negotiations remain active, both U.S. and Israeli government sources have raised concerns during the discussions.
One of the core issues is the need to maintain what is known as Israel’s qualitative military edge, a long-standing policy in Washington designed to ensure that Israel retains superior defensive and offensive capability relative to neighboring states. Some researchers and lawmakers in the United States have also expressed reservations about the sale due to human rights concerns related to Egypt’s domestic governance.
These factors have contributed to delays in final approval. At the same time, Egypt has begun evaluating alternatives in case the F-15 does not materialize. Among the options reportedly under consideration are advanced Chinese fighter aircraft including the J-10C and the J-35A. This approach reflects Cairo’s ongoing policy of diversifying defense procurement and reducing reliance on Western suppliers when deals stall or become politically complex.
Even as the fighter jet negotiations remain unresolved, military cooperation between Egypt and the United States has continued in other areas. The United States has approved a separate air-defense package for Egypt including the NASAMS system, in a deal valued at approximately $4.7 billion. This agreement reflects ongoing coordination in aspects of regional air defense and counter-threat posture.
The current situation illustrates both the scale and complexity of U.S.–Egypt defense ties. Bilateral military cooperation carries strategic weight in the Middle East and is shaped by regional power balances, domestic priorities, and international diplomatic pressures. These dynamics influence not only the pace of negotiations but also the platforms and capabilities that Egypt seeks to integrate into its arsenal.
As negotiations continue, Egypt has yet to secure a firm commitment or delivery timeline for the F-15. This leaves Cairo with a strategic calculation: how to maintain air superiority, or at least technological parity, in an environment where regional tensions and military modernization are ongoing.
The question of whether Egypt ultimately acquires the F-15 touches on broader issues beyond the aircraft itself. For Washington, the decision weighs how to support a long-standing security partner while managing regional stability and Congressional expectations. For Israel, the implications relate directly to air dominance and deterrence posture. For Egypt, the stakes include operational capability, political autonomy in procurement, and its role in the evolving regional security environment.
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