At an air base in Southern France, Egypt on Monday was handed three Rafale fighter jets. The planes were flown to Cairo by specially trained pilots on Tuesday. In celebration of their addition to the air force fleet, the three Rafale fighter jets flied over different sites in Cairo and Giza skies. They flied over the Giza pyramids, the Media Production City in 6th October, the Maspero TV and Radio building and the River Nile. The delivery is the first batch of 24 warplanes sold in a 5.2 billion euro deal struck between the two countries in February. “We feel proud after buying this effective jet and we are happy with this cooperation,” said Egypt's Ambassador to France Ehab Badawi, referring to the recent bilateral military cooperation between Egypt and France. The cooperation was established in February this year after both countries signed a major deal for a European multi-purpose frigate, MBDA air-to-air missiles and 24 Rafale combat jets. Egypt is the first Arab country to buy the Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation. Qatar sealed a 6.3 million euro deal with the French government to buy 36 Rafale air jets in April. Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO, said during Monday's ceremony that the Rafale planes are considered the fourth jet model built by his firm. The fighters are being sold to Egypt just as the previous models of Alfa, Mirage 5 and Mirage 2000 were sold to the Egyptian Air Force. “I believe that, given the current context, it's very important that Egypt is able to act to maintain security and stability, not only stability on its own territory, but stability in the region,” French President Francois Hollande said in press statements following the signing of the agreement in February. Press reports said the second batch of Rafale may be delivered between December 2015 and January 2016. Last month, Egypt received a frigate at the port of Lorient in west France as part of last February's military deal. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the delivery of the frigate was the “first step” in creating a “unique relationship” between the two states, adding that Paris acknowledges Egypt's central role in ensuring security in the region. Egypt's Defence Minister and Army Commander Sedki Sobhi attended the delivery of the frigate in the presence of French military officials. The multi-purpose frigate weighs almost 2,000 tons and is 142 metres long.
