Forum: General F-16 forum

US to deliver 20 Block 52 F-16s to Egypt

I don't want to be a downer or anything, but given the current political situation in Egypt (as in, now ruled by Islamists, if my research is correct) is giving them hardware like this really in the best interests of the region? Any chance this could end up like the Tomcats in Iran? I have no clue. But hopefully you do.

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It's a risk, but I'd say a calculated one. For the time being, the US needs to show support for Egypt. I'd be more worried about the situation on Turkey, but that's for another topic.

As complex and seemingly risky it is, 1st503 is probably accurate in saying it's a calculated risk. I'm sure 1stimpulse would not like to see Mig-35 or J-10B eg, being the alternative acquisition either. Thus, it's probably more about maintaining a level of influence anyway, which is a strategic bonus in this continued Military assistance relationship. Same would imply with 1st503rd's Turkish example. Maintaining a relationship at this level is probably valid and sound. Besides, Turkiye is a major contributor to the F-35 Project's synergies which is in turn essential in keeping product sales on track and costs in-line with the current price. But that's another topic too.

But the key question instead here should arguably be posed as this: with an annual USAF combat aviation Procurement budget of around $4bn per year, how many brand new operational and 'more modern' F-16s could (and could have) USAF recapitalize(d) it's growing geriatric force structure with in the interim while waiting for the F-35's development to mature and complete it's SDD phase?

Most muslim's I know are peace loving people, it's the few bad apples that are the extremist that give the majority a bad name.

If this means giving the new Egyptian government / people in power a chance to do the right thing, then why not?

Are you going to assume that the new Egyptian government is going to be a vicious dictatorship right out of the gate?

I think that would be a bad political move for the US IMO. We should wait and see how they turn out.

I don't think risks of a particular country having F-16C 52s is a huge concern. There is at least one other F-16 operator who I'd consider risky, with Block 52s and known dealings with communist China. The US has operational F-22s that in a worse case scenario could take them out of play.

I do agree that maintaining positive relations with Egypt is necessary at this time.

kamenriderblade wrote:

Are you going to assume that the new Egyptian government is going to be a vicious dictatorship right out of the gate?

I'm not assuming, I'm watching it happen. F-16C-52s aren't exactly the most threatening thing for a Raptor or JSF, but it's still concerning.

neurotech wrote:

There is at least one other F-16 operator who I'd consider risky, with Block 52s and known dealings with communist China.

Check out this video's top comments. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibDRcBV4x3c

Paid for by US taxpayers?

In Egypt, liberal society say that the United States is the largest supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood !!
Do not be your thoughts of the media-oriented.

Egyptian army has no affiliation except for Egypt Smile

Last edited by firstimpulse on Dec 13, 2012 - 02:41 PM; edited 1 time in total

abdo_salah999 wrote:

In Egypt, liberal society say that the United States is the largest supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood !!
Do not be your thoughts of the media-oriented.

Egyptian army has no affiliation except for Egypt Smile

Very intriguing to hear what some opinion of the US is like in Egypt. Smile

And the media here in the US generally has a liberal spin on it, and that has been applied to the Arab Spring in general, making it sound like a divine liberation of sorts that is hard-fought but near perfect. I like the fact that dictators are going down (heck, I think every American likes that), but all the instability has me (a moderate) slightly concerned. And of course conservatives generally have Southernphantom's reaction.

I think I agree with 1st503rdsgt and geogen. Influence is better than leaving them alone.

If the american tax payers are paying for these aircraft, why not give some to us norwegians? We have less than 60, I think. We have plenty of room for new aircraft at Bodø and Ørland.

jacarlsen wrote:

If the american tax payers are paying for these aircraft, why not give some to us norwegians? We have less than 60, I think. We have plenty of room for new aircraft at Bodø and Ørland.

Send them to the TOP GUN school, as they have even less F-16s, and are flying upgraded F-16As, intended for Pakistan, but were embargoed.

neurotech wrote:

jacarlsen wrote:

If the american tax payers are paying for these aircraft, why not give some to us norwegians? We have less than 60, I think. We have plenty of room for new aircraft at Bodø and Ørland.

Send them to the TOP GUN school, as they have even less F-16s, and are flying upgraded F-16As, intended for Pakistan, but were embargoed.

I would think at the top-gun school you want the model with the best kinematic performance since all shooting and what not is simulated. Wouldn't the lighter A be perfectly fine for that role rather than the heavier new blocks of the aircraft?

jacarlsen wrote:

If the american tax payers are paying for these aircraft, why not give some to us norwegians? We have less than 60, I think. We have plenty of room for new aircraft at Bodø and Ørland.

Aren't you guys getting the new F-35s in a decade? That's FAR better than any Viper... Cool

bigjku wrote:

neurotech wrote:

Send them to the TOP GUN school, as they have even less F-16s, and are flying upgraded F-16As, intended for Pakistan, but were embargoed.

I would think at the top-gun school you want the model with the best kinematic performance since all shooting and what not is simulated. Wouldn't the lighter A be perfectly fine for that role rather than the heavier new blocks of the aircraft?

Not exactly. The F-16As are lighter, but they are have a airframe fatigue life limit, and they get a workout when flying ACM all the time. They can also lighten up a F-16C if needed, and the F-16C Block 52 has more thrust than a F-16A. A F-16N Block 52 wouldn't fly with certain avionics, and wouldn't fly with CFTs, plyons etc.

Forum: General F-16 forum

New Egyptian F-16s - Sure this is a good idea?