China today denied that the Egyptian Air Force received its first batch of J-10 fighter jets from China, state media reported.

“It is inconsistent with the facts. Total fake news,” said Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian.

Wu’s remarks came following various media reports that Egypt had received the jets from China.

Daily News Egypt had reported on 13 February that Cairo received J-10 fighter jets from China.

The J-10C is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, equipped with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, capable of engaging targets up to 300 kilometres (186 miles) away.