Egypt army says it receives first French Rafale warplanes

In a statement on his Facebook page today, Brig Gen Mohammed Samir says the advanced multi-role Rafale aircraft were handed over at a base in southern France.

A total of 24 Rafales, made by Dassault Aviation, were purchased as part of a nearly USD 6 billion deal that also included an advanced frigate and munitions.

The FREMM frigate has already been transferred to Egypt's navy and named "Long Live Egypt," the favorite slogan of general-turned politician President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi since he campaigned for office.