Word is the Egyptians tested an Irbis-E radar (from the Su-35) against Rafale’s ECM-system, and the latter easily overpowered the former.
I really do not like playing a party crusher, but there’re ever more indications that Egypt is never going to get any Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets.
By side the US pressure – which, certainly enough, was crucial (why should Washington continue providing US$ 3 billion aid to Cairo (incl. about US1.7 billion military aid), if the latter goes buying Russian combat aircraft) – but, word is the Egyptians tested an Irbis-E radar (from the Su-35) against Rafale‘s ECM-system, and the latter easily overpowered the former.
Thus, think, the jets parked there in Komsomolsk-on-Amur are going to remain where they are for a while longer (and regardless what national markings and serials they ‘already’ wear).
The Egyptian Air Force had to become the first customer for the Su-35 in the Middle East area, following the signing of a contract in 2018 (not confirmed until May 2020), comprising the delivery of 24/26 aircraft for approximately USD 3 billion. In fact, as the photo below shows, at least 11 aircraft were already manufactured and ready for delivery, but Egypt never received them.
And before any of fan-boys get hysteric… There’s no confirmation for any of reports about ‘Algeria taking them instead’ or ‘Iran taking them instead’.
Large parts of the Algerian armed forces are mid through a change-of-command, plus the local law dictates flight-testing in Algeria before any kind of orders. And… Well, so far there was no flight-testing of Su-35s in Algeria (i.e., this story reminds strongly of the Su-34-hysteria).
… And in the case of Iran: I would first like to hear that the IRGC has granted permission for the IRIAF to get that kind of stuff, and then that Tehran actually has the necessary money – before making any kind of useful conclusions.
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Photo credit: Russian Federation via Wikipedia and Unknown
