The MiG-17F, seen here fitted with Sakr-manufactured rockets and Helwan-manufactured drop tanks, completes a quarter-century of Egyptian service this year, the first fighters of this type having been delivered to the EAF in 1957. It is unlikely that the MiG-17F will finally be withdrawn from use until the second half of the decade.

The MiG-17F, seen at Bilbeis, proved an efficacious close-support aircraft during the October 1973 conflict and remains in the first-line inventory and for tactical training, but is expected to give place in both close support and training roles to the MS1 and MS2 versions of the Alpha Jet in the years ahead.

The MiG-17F, seen at Almaza

Египетский Су-7УМК на аэродроме. Для предотвращения опускания фонарей кабины установлены предохранительные штанги
One of the several Su-7UM Moujik tandem two-seat conversion trainers currently operated from the Katamia AB.

C-47 816 of the REAF in Cyprus shortly after the Palestine War. This machine is known to have flown a bombing sortie from al-Arish on July 14, 1948.
The REAF acquired a number of ex-USAAF C-47 Dakotas that had been abandoned at Paine Field, Cairo, at the end of WWII and were subsequently rebuilt. The C-47s were employed as makeshift bombers during the first Arab-lsraeli conflict.

The L 29 Delfin basic trainer is to be succeeded in EAF service by a turboprop-powered aircraft, selection of a type reportedly being imminent. Replacement of the L 29 will coincide with the introduction of a new training syllabus.

МиГ-21УМ из состава египетских ВВС. Обратите внимание: в отличие от боевых "двадцать первых", на которых "техничка" почти не видна, "спарки" даже с довольно большого расстояния можно читать как газеты.
A MiG-21U photographed at Wadi Natrun North (Bir Ket), this type being used for conversion at brigade level.

The REAF attempted to establish a nominal heavy bomber force, one of nine refurbished Lancaster B Mk IIIs being illustrated.

The MiG-15UTl advanced trainer has an even longer EAF service history than the MiG-17F, the first examples of this type having reached Egypt in 1955. This will he the first aircraft to be replaced by the Alpha Jet MS1 and its phase-out is expected to commence next year, the MiG-17F subsequently being replaced by the dedicated attack MS2 version of the Alpha Jet.

Lysanders of the REAF's No 1 (Army Co-operation) Sqn after transfer from RAF contracts

The small EAF Su-20 inventory of 19 aircraft, one of which is seen here at Kom Anshim AB, is expected to be restored to full operational capability

Sixteen Tu-16s remain in the inventory of the heavy attack air brigade based in the south of Egypt, some of these being equipped with AS-5 Kelt air-to-surface missiles as seen here. These missiles follow a pre-programmed flight path by autopilot guidance, and some 25 of them were launched during the opening phase of the October 1973 conflict.

Египетский Ту-16К-11 с ракетой КСР-2
The Tu-16s remaining in service with the EAF are now more symbolic than practical, an AS-5 Kelt-equipped Badger-G version being illustrated. Note the handling trolley for the Kelt missile.

The exact purpose of the inverted-T device on the extreme nose to be seen in the photograph has not been revealed.

One of 20 refurbished ex-RAF Spitfire F Mk 22s procured in 1950

One of the REAF's Panther-engined Audaxes in service with No 4 Sqn at Almaza in 1940. Posed in front of the aircraft is its pilot. Lt Mustapha Mahir.

In addition to Lancasters, the REAF procured nine refurbished Halifax A Mk IXs but these aircraft saw only limited Egyptian service.

One of the two Avro 641 Commodores operated in the late 'thirties by the EAAF’s Royal Flight, one having been purchased from an Egyptian private owner and the other from Sqn Ldr V H Tait, seconded from the RAF as CO of the first EAAF squadron.

The F-4E Phantom was the first US combat aircraft to enter EAF service and its introduction was somewhat traumatic. The F-4E is currently operated from Cairo West by the 222nd Tactical Fighter Brigade, two of the Brigade's aircraft being seen in company with two USAF F-4Es in the vicinity of the Pyramids of Giza.

An F-4E of No 88 Sqn, one of the component units of the 222nd Brigade. All the EAF's Phantoms arc progressively switching from an air superiority grey finish to camouflage in keeping with their primary air-ground role.

Недостаток опыта в эксплуатации западного вооружения привел к тому, что боеготовность египетских Phantom была невысокой. В 1979 году были поставлены 35 F-4E, они часто выходили из строя. Дважды самолеты предлагались Турции, однако затем парк египетских Phantom был увеличен до 40 машин.
An F-4E Phantom of the 222nd Tactical Fighter Brigade in the air superiority grey finish that is now giving place to camouflage. The EAF has now largely overcome initial difficulties experienced with the maintenance of the McDonnell Douglas fighter and has attained acceptable serviceability levels.