Where did you see DZ?
Yes, absolutely. I know the prevailing sentiment is that everything should be western equipment and I used to be supportive of that rule, but Egypt is in a difficult position that wouldn't allow it to maximize its equipment's potential by sticking to only western-built aircraft, so it has to find other ways to improve and strengthen its capabilities and the only way to do that at the present and in the foreseeable future is go with the best that the Russians have and find ways to integrate them with existing equipment.
It's pretty simple at this point. No more neutered F-16s because that makes absolutely no sense. So what else is out there? The Rafale, Typhoon, Gripen or MiG-35/Su-35. There will be at least 36 Rafales (possibly 48) and we know the problem with the SCALP which looks like it will eventually be rectified by the French but then that makes one doubt the possibility of the Meteor being acquired. So now you have 150+/- F-16s with only the AIM-7 Sparrow which makes them really only relegated to ground attack. That means you need to strengthen your A2A capabilities and if there's a possibility that you won't be able to arm your 36 Rafales with the meteor, then why buy any more of them? Doesn't make sense. So you look elsewhere. The MiG-35 is an excellent solution to modernize your older fleet of patrol duty and defensive interception aircraft but they lack long range loitering capability and that's where the Su-35 comes in. A good couple of squadrons can patrol and defend the entire country with very potent BVR capabilities. And if you think about it, most of the radars and satellite equipment that Egypt is operating is Russian-built. The only sticking point is the E-2C Hawkeyes but there are plenty ways to work within that data link. And many of the F-16s will be on their way out within 10 years or less and you can't wait until then to decide how to replace them.
As far as maintenance, spare parts or training, there is no difference than if they were western aircraft because either way you'll have to train more personnel in both fields anyway because you have more aircraft, and Russian spare parts are not an issue so the only issue is that it's Russian and not US or French. So I would say that's the best way to go considering there aren't any other realistic choices.
And apparently there is also the rumor that the Orion-E UAV is in the picture as well, although I'm not sure what the attraction to this would be considering the success and capabilities of the WingLoong in the EAF. This might have something to do with the the possibility of an easier integration and linkage to Russian systems already being operated in Egypt.
According to Russian sources, Bendett said, “the two countries most likely to acquire [the Orion] are Syria and Egypt. Syria and Russia already enjoy a very close mil-to-mil relationship, while Egypt is diversifying its military imports from reliance on U.S. and occasional Chinese technologies.”
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanne...+DFN&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com