US halts delivery of F-16s to Egypt

The Obama administration has decided to suspend delivery of F-16 fighter planes to Egypt, the Defense Department said.

"Given the current situation in Egypt, we do not believe it is appropriate to move forward at this time with the delivery of F- 16s," Xinhua cited Pentagon spokesman George Little as saying.

The decision, taken by President Barack Obama, was backed unanimously by his entire national security team, said Little.

"We remain committed to the US-Egypt defence relationship as it remains a foundation of our broader strategic partnership with Egypt and serves as a pillar of regional stability," Little said.

Moving forward, Little said everything the US side does and says "will continue to be focused on hastening Egypt's return to a democratically elected government as soon as possible, consistent with our legal requirements and our national security interests".

Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first elected president, was removed from power by the military earlier this month.

Little said the decision to halt F-16 delivery did not signal that the US sees Morsi was ousted in a coup, which would mean suspension of military and economic aid to Egypt.

According to a 2010 deal, the US is to sell 20 F-16 fighter jets to Egypt for a price of $2.5 billion. Four have been delivered and four more were due to be shipped in coming weeks.

Little also said the US would go ahead with a planned joint military exercise with Egypt.