Israel expresses its concern about the possibility of the Egyptian Air Force to obtain J-10C fighters and the Chinese Joe-JP-Jo-15 missiles, which may change the balance of the air force in the region.
Arab Defense website-August 29, 2025: The Israeli media reported the high level of anxiety within the defense and security institutions in Tel Aviv regarding the possibility of Egypt obtaining advanced Chinese J-10C fighters, especially if it is equipped with the PL-15 Jo-15 missiles. This missile is known for its scale between 200 and 300 km, which may significantly enhance Egypt’s capabilities in the air fighting and make a possible change in the air force balance in the region.
Egypt’s interest in J-10C planes comes within a broader strategy to modernize the Egyptian Air Force and diversify the sources of armament away from the traditional Western partners, after Egypt succeeded in obtaining French Rafale and F-16 aircraft, in addition to Mig-29M fighters.
Reports indicate that Egypt may receive the export version of the PL-15E missiles, whose range is less than the Chinese standard to reach 150 km compared to 200-300 km for the version used in China. However, the PL-15E constitutes a significant strengthening of Egypt’s air capabilities, beating the current missiles in the region in terms of range.
Israeli analysts also indicated that the appearance of the J-10CE9001 aircraft at the Zhuhai Aviation Show indicates the possibility of China to start preparing some units for export, including Egypt as a potential buyer. If the deal is confirmed, this will be a turning point in Egypt’s efforts to strengthen the air force with multi -task aircraft capable of competing with the latest Western and Russian aircraft.
Israeli concern about the PL-15 missile
Israeli concerns are not limited to Egypt’s obtaining J-10C fighters, but also focusing on merging the PL-15 missile into the Egyptian air arsenal. This missile, equipped with an active electronic scanner (ASA) and designed to fight outside the visual vision (BVR), may enable Egyptian aircraft to attack their targets from much larger distances, which constitutes a direct threat to Israel’s traditional air superiority.
For years, Israel has maintained its air superiority in the region by possessing advanced American weapons, including F-35 ghost and advanced air defense systems. With the introduction of the PL-15 missiles into the arsenal of Egypt, the balance of power may change, especially since this missile outperforms the American Aim-120 Amraam in terms of effective term.
The report indicated that the United States and France have historically avoided providing Egypt with long-range air-to-air missiles due to Israel’s concerns about preserving its qualitative military advantage (QME). In previous deals, Egypt obtained French and American AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, which is much shorter compared to the PL-15.
Israeli officials also practiced diplomatic pressure to prevent the delivery of weapons that may threaten their air superiority, as happened with the Su-35 fighters that Russia tried to sell to Egypt, where Washington intervened to prevent the deal. The United States has followed a similar approach to the J-10C deal, although the growing military cooperation between China and Egypt may reduce Washington’s ability to influence.
Regional repercussions and strategic transformations
Although the deal was not officially confirmed from Cairo, speculation has sparked widespread discussions within the Israeli defense circles on its potential repercussions. As the inclusion of the J-10C and the PL-15 missiles into the Egyptian Air Force may change the balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, especially in the scenarios of the conflict on air superiority.
Analysts believe that this trend reflects Egypt’s broader strategy to reduce its dependence on Western suppliers, increase its strategic independence, and enhance its deterrent capabilities in light of changing regional security dynamics.
For its part, Israel continues with caution in any changes in the air force equation, continuing to update its fleet with F-35i ADIR and F-15EX aircraft to maintain its hegemony, but Egypt’s arrival in advanced missile technology may push it to accelerate the development of modern confrontation tactics.
With the continued purchase of weapons, the coming months will reveal more details about Egypt’s defensive plans, and whether the J-10C deal will be achieved, and the diplomatic discussions between Egypt, China, Israel, and Western powers on the changing military balance in the region.
The article appeared Israel warning against the escalation of the Egyptian Air Force force first on the Arab defense site.
