From September 1979 Egypt started to receive the first of 35 ex-USAF F-4Es for operation by the 222nd Fighter Regiment here at Cairo West. They were found to be a challenge to operate and maintain, being far more complex than the MiG-21s to which they were accustomed. However by 1885 serviceability had improved considerably and a further seven were obtained in 1988. They were replaced by F-16s and withdrawn during the 1990s. This aircraft was formerly 67-0373 and now guards the gate of the airbase.