Click to see full-size image. (WAM)
Egypt has deployed fighter jets in the United Arab Emirate in what appears to be an effort to help guard the Gulf nation which was repeatedly attacked by Iran since the start of the American-Israeli war on the Islamic Republic more than a month ago.
The deployment was revealed during a visit by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the UAE on May 7, where he met with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other senior Emirate officials.
In a press release, the UAE’s state-run WAM news agency said that the two leaders discussed “fraternal ties and cooperation, particularly in areas that support shared development priorities and contribute to further prosperity for their peoples.”
El-Sisi and Mohamed bin Zayed also exchanged views on “latest regional developments and their serious implications for regional and international security and stability,” according to the agency.
“El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of the Iranian terrorist attacks targeting civilians and civilian facilities in the UAE. He affirmed Egypt’s solidarity with the UAE and its support for all measures it takes to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its territory and people,” the press release reads.
The two leaders also visited the Egyptian fighter jet detachment stationed in the UAE to “review its readiness and ongoing efforts to strengthen operational capabilities and preparedness for various challenges,” the news agency said, revealing the deployment for the first time.
Photos shared by WAM showed French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets from the Egyptian Air Force, as well as at least 13 fully-equipped Egyptian pilots meeting with El-Sisi and Mohamed bin Zayed at an undisclosed air base — very possibly Al Dhafra Air Base near the capital, Abu Dhabi.
Click to see full-size image. (WAM)
It is unclear when exactly the Egyptian fighter jets were deployed in the UAE, but El-Sisi’s surprise visit came just a few days after Iran renewed attacks on the country in response to an attempt by the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. President Donald Trump has since paused the operation, citing progress in talks with the Islamic Republic.
Recent months saw some tensions between Egypt and the UAE over the latter’s involvement in Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. The strategic relationship between the two countries has apparently survived these tensions.
The Egyptian fighter jets were clearly deployed to help defend the UAE from Iranian attacks. The country has been already receiving similar support from the U.S., France, and even Israel — which deployed air defenses along with troops to operate them.
While recent reports suggest that the U.S. and Iran are about to reach a breakthrough understanding, war could still resume. If this happens, Egypt will not likely get involved in any offensive operations against the Islamic Republic.
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