Egypt has started to take delivery of an array of weapons systems, including advanced fighter aircraft and naval vessels, from Russia and France. These orders supplement equipment from the United States, which has been Egypt’s main source of weapons since the 1978 Camp David Accords. Amid an acute economic crisis, Cairo’s military procurement spree raises questions about regime motives.
The rapidity of the military build-up may mean that the army will be unable to man the advanced weapons systems with qualified operators.
Egypt is purchasing much of the military hardware on credit, which could further the decline of the struggling Egyptian economy.
Egypt could use its newly acquired hardware to vie for regional power and influence with Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
