Egypt Receives Eight F-16 Fighter Jets From Us

The United States is delivering eight F-16 fighter jets to Egypt on July 30 and 31, the U.S. embassy in Cairo said Thursday.



In a statement, the embassy said the F-16 Block 52 aircraft will be flown directly from the U.S. to Egypt and will be immediately integrated into the Egyptian Air Force.



"The F-16s provide a valuable capability that is needed during these times of regional instability," U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official in Cairo Major General Charles Hooper said.



Hooper reiterated his country's commitment to supporting Egypt.



"Extremists threaten regional security and these weapon systems provide a new tool to help Egypt fight terrorism," he said.



The U.S. is expected to deliver four more F-16s to Egypt this fall.



Egypt receives aid worth $1.5 billion from the U.S. since 1979. This included $1.3 billion in military aid.



The U.S. had suspended its annual military aid to Egypt soon after President Mohamed Morsi was ousted in a military coup two years ago, but resumed it earlier this year. - Mısır