"We are modernizing our military capacities to provide appropriate means
of combating hostilities," the commander said. "But we aren't interested in
entering into an arms race with anyone."
The commander's reference was to Israel's order of the Joint Strike
Fighter from the United States. Hafez said Egypt would not compete with
Israel's or any other fighter-jet, Middle East Newsline reported.
"We're not alarmed by certain countries of the region that are eager to
possess modern fighter planes," Hafez said.
The commander said Egypt, with about 200 F-16s, has modernized air
transports, helicopters as well as deployed advanced munitions. Hafez said
these platforms have enhanced such operations as combat, transport, support
and search and rescue.
"Egypt has a coherent defense system where the Egyptian Air Force and
the Air Defense Force work closely to protect the country's skies and land
against any hostile force," Hafez said.
On Oct. 13, Hafez said Egypt was not concerned over the deployment of
modern aircraft in neighboring countries. The commander cited the rising
defense budgets in Middle East states.
"While keeping in pace with the world's latest military technologies and
modernizing her defense system continuously, Egypt is against entering any
arms race with any other country in the region," Hafez said.
The commander, speaking on air force day, reported a significant
improvement of the Egyptian military. Hafez said the Air Force has acquired
the most modern combat platforms from France and the United States,
including the F-16, Mirage 2000, AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter and
the E-2C airborne early-warning and alert aircraft. In 2010, Egypt ordered
20 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft.
The Air Force has also improved training, particularly through
simulators. Hafez cited a range of air trainers, including the
Chinese-origin K-8, the German-origin Grob and Al Fahit.