The Ford Administration categorically denied today that it is considering selling J-79 Phantom jet engines to Egypt. Egypt wants the engines to install them in its Soviet-made MIG-21 planes because the Soviet government has reportedly refused to sell Egypt replacement parts for the aircraft.
Replying to reports in Israel that such a U.S. sale is pending, State Department spokesman John Trattner said, “I categorically deny the proposal exists.” He said the proposal “is not even considered in the Administration,” adding that he had “no idea” on what the Israeli press reports are based.
Gen. (res.) Mordechai Hod. former head of the Israel Air Force, in an interview with Yediot Achronot yesterday, said that if Egypt received the American engines it would gain a distinct advantage in air power. He was commenting on reports of the sale here that originated in Washington.
Meanwhile, Pentagon sources earlier today made similar comments to that by Trattner but left open the question whether Egypt has asked for the engines. Trattner said he was “not aware” that Egypt had asked for the J-79 engine. Despite the disclaimers at the Pentagon and State Department, informed sources here said that some Administration sources are considering selling the engines to Egypt and that it could be done through a third country or in some other manner at an appropriate time.
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