First pictures of Egypt’s Su-35 emerge

Egyptian President al-Sisi has just had the National Assembly approve a possible deployment of Egyptian troops in neighboring Libya should the Tripoli government’s “Volcano” offensive, which was primarily facilitated by Turkey, approach the Sirte/Al Jufra line.

The threat must be taken seriously, as Egypt has heavily upgraded its army in recent years (mostly at the expense of Gulf monarchies). For example, 24 Rafale fighter jets and two helicopter carriers from France and 50 MiG-29/35s from Russia have been put into service. From Eastern Siberia there are now also photos of the first five (of 24) Egyptian Su-35s from the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi have now emerged. This latest derivative of the Flanker family is being used by the Russians themselves in Syria and has so far only been sold to China.

Incidentally, Indonesia also recently wanted to acquire this type, but – as an F-16 user – is confronted with the US/Trump sanctions versus the purchasers of Russian armaments. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Indonesia has also recently expressed an interest in the Austrian Eurofighter.

Update from August 15, 2020: The first machines for Egypt are in this report are apparently already being delivered – US sanctions rumblings or not.

Here for more Sukhoi news and here to further news about the Egyptian armed forces.