Egypt wants to acquire a spy satellite and two multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft manufactured by Airbus.
French newspaper La Tribune reported citing sources that the recently concluded Egyptian €4 billion Rafale deal “hides” other contracts for an observation satellite and two MRTT planes built by Airbus.
Cairo had the intent to acquire two satellites in 2016, but settled for only one due to budget issues. The military telecoms satellite was worth €600 million. It pushed the spy satellite contract to a later date, which will now be awarded to Airbus.
Now, France has sought surety from French banks – BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Société Générale and CIC – to finance Rafale jets at €5.4 billion and not €4 billion. This is because it includes the satellite and MRTTs, the report said citing sources.
The country’s armed forces recently received four units of French-made Thales Ground Master 400 (GM400) AESA air defense radars. These long-range, mobile, 3D radar system has a maximum range of up to 515Km.