SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Egypt, one of the leading importers of Russian weapons, is actively exploring alternatives to reduce its dependency on Russian-made weaponry. With India and China emerging as potential options, Egypt is keen to seek support from India to maintain and supplement its existing arsenal of Russian-origin weapons systems.
Currently ranked among the top three importers of Russian weapons, Egypt holds 9.3 percent of the market share, following India and China. However, the country aims to diversify its sources and explore partnerships with nations that possess significant expertise in weapons manufacturing and have developed indigenous substitutes for Russian systems.
Egypt is particularly interested in procuring a wide range of weapons, including reconnaissance drones and air defense systems. Additionally, it is evaluating options from both India and China for acquiring loitering munitions, which play a crucial role in modern warfare. This signifies Egypt’s intent to explore alternatives beyond Russian-made systems.
In this pursuit, India has extended its support to Egypt by offering its LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft as a replacement for the country’s aging Chinese trainers. Meanwhile, Korea has offered its TA-50 jets, with plans to manufacture them locally in Egypt. This competition provides Egypt with options and opportunities to diversify its aircraft fleet.
Furthermore, India has offered the Akash Air Defense system, known for its effectiveness in countering aerial threats, along with the Pinaka Rocket system. Egypt eagerly awaits a decision regarding the acquisition of these systems, which would contribute to enhancing its defense capabilities.
By seeking support from India and exploring Chinese alternatives, Egypt aims to maintain a strategic balance in its weapons procurement, reducing its dependence on any single supplier. Diversifying its sources would not only enhance its defense capabilities but also provide an opportunity for technological collaboration and knowledge transfer.
For India, this presents an opportunity to expand its defense exports and strengthen its bilateral relations with Egypt. The Indian defense industry, renowned for its indigenous manufacturing capabilities, offers advanced weapon systems that align with Egypt’s requirements. This collaboration could pave the way for joint development projects and the transfer of defense technologies.
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