Egypt receives eight F-16 fighter jets from US

The Lockheed Martin F-16s will be flown directly from the United States to Egypt this week and will immediately become part of the Egyptian air force, a statement Thursday by U.S. Ambassador Robert Beecroft said.

The Embassy’s senior defense official in Cairo, Maj.

The United States Embassy in Cairo says the U.S.is delivering eight newer F-16 warplanes to Egypt as part of an ongoing military support package.

Hooper reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Egypt.

Four more F-16s are scheduled to be delivered later this year, with the US continuing to provide follow-up support and training for pilots and ground crews.

U.S. President Barack Obama authorized delivery of the jets after lifting a block on U.S. military aid to Egypt in March. The United States will also deliver more F-16s this fall. “Extremists threaten regional security and these weapon systems provide a new tool to help Egypt fight terrorism”.

Egyptian forces have frequently battled with militants in the Sinai Peninsula region during July, including a rocket attack Saturday that killed a solider and injured five more, the Associated Press reported.

Relations have warmed since the 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, with Saudi Arabia offering billions in aid to Egypt and Cairo participating in a Saudi-led bombing campaign against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.

The announcement comes as Egyptian and US diplomats prepare to meet on 2 August for a day of strategic dialogue.