France Sells Egypt Jets for Defense

On Feb. 16, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi signed a series of arms deals, including the sale of 24 Rafale fighter jets. The signing took place at the presidential palace in Cairo, and came as the Egyptian army conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Libya, including training camps and arms depots, after the group published a video showing the beheadings of 21 Coptic Christians it had abducted in Libya.

French President François Hollande said the agreement — clinched in only three months of negotiations — provided Cairo with “quality aircraft” and was important for Egypt, “taking into account the threats existing around the country.” Le Drian, during the ceremony, said: “Our two countries are pursuing a common struggle against terrorism” and “this is a new era of bilateral cooperation between Paris and Cairo.”

“Egypt’s stability is an important element in the stability of the countries overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, especially your country that has witnessed recent terrorist events,” Egyptian Defense Minister Sedki Sobhi told Le Drian.

Egypt asked for three of the planes to be sent immediately. Repainted in Egyptian colors, the planes are to be shown at the huge display organized in August for the opening of the new Suez Canal.

The deal consists of five contracts, three of which are major: besides the 24 Rafale jet fighters, there is a multi-mission frigate FREMM, MICA air-to-air missiles, and Scalp cruise missiles.  The French state guaranteed half the loans from a consortium of banks that include Crédit Agricole, BNP Paribas, and Société Générale. The EU500 million down payment will be made by Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting the French neo-con freak-out over this development, Le Monde immediately had an article denouncing Cairo’s ‘frightening dictatorship.’ In response, the French government, in an unprecedented action, had the Defense Ministry suspend the accreditation of Le Monde‘s correspondent in Cairo.