Obama Admin to Send Fighter Jets to Egypt Despite Turmoil

While continuing to claim neutrality regarding the ousting of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, the Obama administration is going ahead with plans to deliver four F-16 fighter jets to Egypt.

These planes are part of a 2010 military aid package that also included “M1A1 Abram tank kits.”

According to the Associated Press, eight such jets were delivered in January, four are due in the coming weeks, and “the final eight are to be sent later this year.” 

The Obama administration contends that it would “not be in the United States’ national security interests to interrupt U.S. aid to Egypt.” Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Wesley Miller said: “We remain committed to the U.S.-Egypt defense relationship as it remains a foundation of our broader strategic partnership with Egypt, and serves as a pillar of regional stability.”

Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins.