In what comes as a surprise development, Egypt is reportedly in advanced discussions with the United States over a potential purchase of 46 Boeing F-15 Eagles.
Initial reports of the talks first surfaced in November 2025 and were initially dismissed as speculation. At the time Egypt was actively exploring multiple fighter options including additional Dassault Rafales, participation in the Turkish Aerospace Industries KAAN programme and possible acquisitions of China’s J-10C and J-35 fighters.
However, recent statements from Cairo suggest that negotiations over the F-15 have entered a renewed and more serious phase. No agreements have yet been reached and details on the specific F-15 variant under consideration remain unclear. Analysts believe that Egypt may be seeking a customised version similar to Israel’s F-15I Ra’am or Qatar’s F-15QA Ababil.
The U.S. government has yet to formally notify Congress of any proposed sale possibly due to the ongoing government shutdown in Washington.
Back in 2022 the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) acknowledged that supplying F-15s to Egypt would be a “long and difficult effort” given sensitivities in the region. Both U.S. and Israeli officials have expressed concerns with Israel keen to maintain its long-held qualitative military edge over neighbouring countries — a principle firmly embedded in American policy.
If Cairo proceeds with the F-15 purchase it could mark a partial shift from Egypt’s strategy of diversifying defence suppliers and reducing reliance on Western arms. Nonetheless Egypt is unlikely to abandon its ties with France, China or Turkey altogether. Washington however is expected to apply diplomatic pressure to steer Egypt away from future Chinese or Russian acquisitions as regional militaries continue modernising amid rising geopolitical tensions.
