In the late 2018, Russia and Egypt signed a contract to deliver several dozens of Su-35 heavy multipurpose fighters starting 2020. Together with Russian MiG-29M/M2 fighters that are also being delivered to Egypt, they will significantly increase the combat potential of the Egyptian Air Force that currently employs the obsolete Soviet MiG-21 and Chinese J-7. A contract worth $2 bln makes Egypt one of the largest buyers of Russian weapons.
In 2014, Moscow signed agreements with Cairo to deliver Antei-2500 and Buk-M2E anti-ballistic missile systems, as well as artillery, small arms and other weapons worth a total of $3.5 bln. Later it agreed to deliver 46 MiG-29M/M2 aircraft (some $2 bln) and 46 Ka-52 helicopters (over $1 bln).
In October 2015, in agreement with Russia, Egypt purchased two Mistral helicopter carriers from France. They were intended for the Russian Navy, but were not delivered due to political motives. In June 2016, both ships joined the Egyptian Navy. In 2017, Russia also won a tender to provide Egypt with Ka-52K helicopters. Upon the signing of a contract, Egypt plans to locate several helicopter squadrons (about 32 Ka-52K helicopters) aboard the two Mistral ships.