HQ-9Against the background of instability in neighboring Libya and the Gaza Strip, disputes over the shelf in the eastern Mediterranean, the aggravation of the situation in the Red Sea and the pre-war situation related to Ethiopia's construction of a dam on the Nile, Egypt is seeking to increase its combat power, in particular, to raise the air defense system to a new technological level.
According to Military Africa, there are unconfirmed reports that in the mid-2010s, Cairo acquired the Russian S-300V4 air defense system, but was forced to send it for storage due to threats from Western countries to impose economic sanctions. As a result, Egypt relied on outdated Soviet-era systems such as the S-75 and S-125.
The deal with India, which provided for the acquisition of the Akash medium-range air defense system, fell through, according to the publication, "due to the well-known bureaucratic delays inherent in Delhi." German IRIS-T SLM short- and medium-range air defense systems were purchased, some of which Cairo received, but then problems began.
Akash- the publication says.
But, according to retired Major General Samir Farag, Cairo has now acquired a powerful anti-aircraft system that has become a central part of its air defense.:
IRIS-T SLMThe Chinese HQ-9B long-range air defense system has a range of up to 200 km and the ability to hit targets at an altitude of 27 km. The system's radar, presumably a variant of the HT-233 model, uses AFAR technology, which allows it to detect low-profile targets such as stealth aircraft at long distances. Each missile launcher can carry up to 8 missiles. The command and control architecture supports integration with other air defense systems, creating a multi-layered defensive network.
- it is noted in the edition.
I
S-400It is claimed that the HQ-9B is compatible with such systems in service with Egypt as the Tor-M2 and Buk-M2 air defense systems, as well as MiG-29M fighters. Previously, the customers of the HQ-9B were countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, as well as, according to some reports, Morocco. Serbia chose a lighter version of the HQ-22.
- the publication says.
For example, the Egyptian fleet of F-16 fighter jets has to make do with outdated AIM-7 Sparrow air defense systems, while France does not supply MICA missiles for its Rafale aircraft. It is indicated that against this background, Cairo is considering the possibility of acquiring Chinese J-10C or J-31 fighter jets.
- indicated in the publication.
