Egypt Daily News – As Egypt deepens its military modernization efforts, its recent pivot toward South Korea’s FA-50 fighter jets marks a significant development, potentially sidelining China’s long-standing efforts to push its J-10C fighter in the region.
The Chinese J-10C, which made its debut appearance in Egypt during the Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air drills, had raised speculation about a potential sale. However, these rumors appear to be losing traction in light of Cairo’s growing defense ties with Seoul.
According to recent reports, Egypt is eyeing the purchase of 100 FA-50s, with an initial order of 36 jets expected soon. Egyptian Ambassador to South Korea, Khaled Abdelrahman, confirmed that talks have been progressing positively and hinted at a transfer of technology agreement that would allow local manufacturing of the jets in Egypt, specifically at the Helwan Aircraft Factory.
This shift could deal a blow to China’s ambitions to expand its J-10C export market, especially after its hopes were buoyed by the fighter’s prominent showing at the 2024 Egypt International Air Show. Though local reports earlier this year suggested Egypt had agreed to purchase the J-10C, the Chinese Ministry of Defense dismissed those claims as false.
China has only exported the J-10C to Pakistan thus far, and a successful deal with Egypt could have significantly enhanced its standing in the Middle Eastern arms market. Yet, Seoul appears to have edged ahead, just as it did when Malaysia selected the FA-50 over the China-Pakistan JF-17 Thunder and India’s Tejas.
FA-50: Fast, Affordable, and Efficient
The FA-50’s appeal lies in its versatility, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery. Built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in partnership with Lockheed Martin, the aircraft is a light combat and advanced trainer jet based on the T-50 platform, which itself was derived from the F-16.
Capable of speeds up to Mach 1.5 and a range of 1,850 kilometers, the FA-50 is equipped with advanced systems including the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar, tactical datalinks, precision-guided munitions, and self-protection subsystems. The aircraft also supports a wide range of armaments like JDAMs, AGM-65s, and AIM-9s, with plans to integrate AIM-120 AMRAAM and Derby missiles, as well as AESA radar and extended-range fuel tanks in the future.
For Egypt, these capabilities make the FA-50 an attractive option as it seeks to replace its aging Alpha Jets and modernize its F-16 fleet, which has suffered from limited upgrade support due to U.S. export restrictions.
A Broader Defense and Economic Alliance
Egypt’s partnership with South Korea extends beyond just aircraft. In 2023, Egypt signed a 1.66 billion dollar contract for Hanwha K9 self-propelled howitzers, K10 resupply vehicles, and K11 fire direction control systems. A previous agreement in 2016, signed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, laid the foundation for extensive defense, nuclear, and manufacturing collaboration.
A 2022 deal worth 2.25 billion dollars with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power is set to develop Egypt’s first nuclear power plant in El Dabaa, and Samsung Electronics received a “golden license” in 2023 to open a manufacturing plant in Beni Suef. The collaboration now extends to the aerospace sector, with the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) and KAI having signed a 2023 agreement to co-produce the FA-50 in Egypt.
According to AOI, the Helwan Aircraft Factory, which previously built 120 K-8E trainer jets, will handle local assembly of up to 70 of the 100 FA-50s planned for Egypt, marking a significant boost for Egypt’s domestic aviation industry. AOI Chairman Major General Mukhtar Abdel Latif emphasized the move as key to localizing advanced aviation technology.
What This Means for China
While Beijing remains hopeful of selling the J-10C, the momentum seems to favor Seoul. This would be the second time South Korea’s FA-50 has edged out Chinese fighter aircraft in international deals, first in Malaysia, now potentially in Egypt. Despite ongoing efforts, China’s J-10C continues to face stiff competition globally, especially from versatile, lower-cost Western-aligned alternatives.
As Egypt and South Korea approach 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, their growing military, industrial, and technological cooperation underscores a shared vision. Egypt sees South Korea as a model for post-conflict national development, while Seoul views Egypt as a vital entry point to the Middle East and North Africa.
The FA-50 deal isn’t just a fighter jet purchase—it’s a strategic alignment, with implications far beyond defense procurement. It reflects Cairo’s ambitions to become a regional defense manufacturing hub and Seoul’s expanding role as a global arms exporter.
