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Egypt has deployed a Chinese-made HQ-9B air defense system in the Sinai Peninsula, a move that has sparked alarm in Israel, according to Hebrew-language media.
Israel’s Maariv newspaper reported that the system can intercept fighter jets, drones and missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) and an altitude of 30 kilometers.
It unveiled the system after reports of amendments to the peace treaty with Israel that would bolster Egypt’s military capabilities in the Sinai Peninsula.
The Chinese-made HQ-9B air defense system is considered one of the world’s most advanced. It entered operational service in 2014 and was developed based on Russia’s S-300 system.
The HQ-9B is classified as a medium- to long-range air defense system, mounted on a heavy eight-wheeled truck carrying four interceptor missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometers.
Egypt deployed the system in Sinai months ago as part of efforts to bolster its air defenses amid escalating Israeli tensions in the Middle East, according to Middle East Monitor in September 2025.
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Reports emerged after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the completion of the latest gas deal with Egypt, claiming that Egypt had reduced its military presence in Sinai.
Israeli news site Walla reported that Egypt has begun a partial reduction of army and police forces in the Sinai Peninsula, including in areas near the border, following an Israeli request, just one day after Netanyahu approved a major natural gas deal.
In response, a well-informed Egyptian source told Asharq Al-Awsat that “Egyptian forces in Sinai are there to safeguard Egypt’s national security, and this is not an issue on which Cairo accepts bargaining or inducements,” stressing that “not a single soldier has been withdrawn from there during this period under any pressure, as is being claimed.”
The source added: “This matter is linked to the assessment of the situation by Egypt’s security agencies and what they deem necessary regarding the country’s security and its borders with an area that has been witnessing a fierce war for two years, as well as attempts by Israel to push this war toward Egyptian territory. ”
"It is not related to, or subject to, any other issues or deals, otherwise Egypt would have accepted far greater inducements regarding displacement or the liquidation of the Palestinian cause," he stressed.
The source continued: “The Israeli reports speaking of a reduction in forces in Sinai are the same ones that complain and warn on a daily basis about an increase in Egypt’s military presence there,” noting that “there are updated provisions between the two countries within the peace treaty that allow Egypt this presence to protect its security when needed.”
Netanyahu announced Wednesday the approval of a landmark agreement to export natural gas to Egypt from offshore Israeli fields, describing it as the largest export deal in Israel’s history.
The deal is valued at 112 billion shekels, approximately $34.7 billion. Under the agreement, U.S. energy giant Chevron and its Israeli partners will supply natural gas to Egypt from the Leviathan field in the Mediterranean Sea.
Netanyahu said 58 billion shekels ($18.02 billion) of the deal’s value would flow into Israel’s state treasury.
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