Egypt takes delivery of Rafale fighters

CAIRO, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Egypt has taken delivery of three Rafale fighters from French aircraft company Dassault, the second batch of fighter jets under a contact last signed last year.

The three fighters were delivered in Cairo on Thursday at a special ceremony attended by Egyptian and French officials, Ahram Online reports.

Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Samir was quoted as saying the country's growing fleet of Rafale fighters "represent a huge addition to the air forces' fleet and are considered a new addition to the armament system and combat readiness, and enhances the combat capabilites of the armed forces."

Egypt now has a total of six Rafales. The first batch of three aircraft was delivered in July.

Under the deal with France, Egypt ordered 24 Rafales and a FREMM frigate for its Navy. The frigate from DCNS is already operational.

"This deal allows the Egyptian naval and air forces to achieve a special step in its ability to fulfill its missions in supporting efforts to achieve safety and stability in the Middle East," Samir said.