U.S. delivers F-16s to Egypt

CAIRO, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The Egyptian Air Force has received four F-16 Block 52 fighters from the United States.

The handover took place Thursday at Cairo West Air Force Base following the arrival of the planes from the United States, the U.S. Embassy reported.

"I would like to congratulate the Egyptian military and people on their newest military assets and to celebrate the successful strategic cooperation between our governments," senior U.S. defense official Maj. Gen. Charles Hooper said at a ceremony for the arrival of the aircraft. "I take great pride in the enduring relationship with the Egyptian Armed Forces."

The F-16s were acquired by Egypt under the "Peace Vector" program which has provided F-16s to Egypt for the past 30 years.

The Embassy said the planes will be immediately integrated into the Egyptian fleet of F-16s.

The United States will provide follow-on maintenance and training for Egyptian Air Force pilots and ground crews for the planes, U.S. officials said.