The US Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard are showing off America’s cargo planes, ground attack aircraft, and fighter jets. 

The United States Air Force has deployed more than 120 advanced combat and support aircraft to the Middle East in support of combat operations against Iran. That has included dozens of tactical fights, with approximately 48 F-16 Fighting Falcons, a full dozen F-22 Raptors, and a multitude of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters operating from bases in the region.

As of this week, it remains unclear how many fighters remain deployed, but additional combat and support aircraft have landed in Egypt. Those warbirds won’t be flying combat missions over the Islamic Republic; instead, they are part of the US Air Force’s delegation at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 (aka Egypt International Airshow), which kicked off on Tuesday. The US aircraft are part of the enduring partnership between Cairo and Washington and a reminder of the long-standing alliance.

Egypt remains a key partner in counterterrorism, regional security, and maritime protection, notably around the Sinai Peninsula.

“As the host nation showcases its premier aerospace capabilities, US military aircraft and personnel are participating alongside their Egyptian and international counterparts from over 80 countries to demonstrate a shared commitment to regional stability and multilateral cooperation with over 50 combined aircraft on display,” The US Air Forces Central/Ninth Air Force, the air component of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), said in a news release.

“The United States is proud to participate in the El Alamein International Air Show 2026 and to open the US Pavilion, featuring more than 25 American companies from among the world’s leading aerospace and defense innovators,” said Charge d’Affaires, ad interim, Eric Gaudiosi of the US Embassy in Cairo. “Our strong presence reflects the depth of the US-Egypt partnership and our longstanding cooperation across the aviation, aerospace, defense, space, and commercial sectors. We look forward to building new partnerships and expanding opportunities that benefit both our countries.”

What Aircraft Did the US Send to the Egyptian Airshow?

The United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard have sent an undisclosed number of personnel along with several aircraft, including a C-130J Super Hercules and C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft, an A-10 Thunderbolt II, an F-16 Fighting Falcon, and an F-15E Strike Eagle.

The US Air Force didn’t disclose which unit the aircraft were deployed from; however, the 74th and 75th Fighter Squadrons at Moody Air Force Base (AFB), Georgia, are the final remaining active-duty squadrons still operating the Fairchild Republic A-10. Current plans call for one of the two active Moody squadrons to stand down next year, which will leave a single active-duty squadron alongside reserve components as the A-10 fleet is extended toward its retirement in 2030.

The US Air Force operates the F-15E Strike Eagle across operational, training, reserve, and test squadrons stationed in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing currently operates the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, while its 136th Airlift Wing flies the C-130H Hercules.

Units of the Texas Air National Guard have previously been deployed to take part in combat operations in the Middle East, but there have been no major deployments from the Lone Star State this year.

Are There Any F-35s at the Egyptian Airshow?

The US presence at the biennial airshow may be smaller than initially planned as US forces remain deployed and on alert given the ongoing conflict with Iran. That may explain why there are no F-35 Lightning IIs present.

Are Russia and China Showing Aircraft at the Egyptian Airshow?

Russia announced last week that it would offer flight demonstrations of its Su-57 (NATO reporting name “Felon”), as Rostec and its export subsidiary, Rosoboronexport—the sole state intermediary agency for Russia’s defense-related exports and imports—continue to seek buyers of the fighter.

Beijing also confirmed that six J-16 Hidden Dragons would make their first-ever debut at an overseas airshow.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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