The Egyptian Air Force currently operates 17 confirmed Su-35 fighter jets. 12 Additional Su-35s are currently in Russia, being prepared for delivery to Egypt soon, while five Su-35s were already delivered last year to the Egyptian Air Force. Russia is also expected to manufacture up to 10 Su-35s for Egypt this year.
Last February, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in a phone call. Among other things, he told the minister that the U.S. is looking closely at Egyptian plans to buy Su-35s for around $2 billion. Nearly two years ago, the U.S. threatened sanctions under CAATSA if it purchases the jets. Despite the American opposition of the deal, Cairo has agreed with Russia to get 26 Sukhoi-35 fighter jets over several batches.