WASHINGTON (Reuters] – On Tuesday, the top U.S. General for Forces in the Middle East declared that he thought the United States would supply Egypt with F-15 planes.

“I think that we have positive news in the fact we’re going provide them with F-15s,” General Frank McKenzie from U.S. Central Command said at a congressional hearing.

McKenzie failed to provide information about when or how many F-15 airplanes would be made by Boeing (NYSE.

McKenzie highlighted “very strong” Egyptian military assistance last month when he visited Cairo, following President Joe Biden’s decision to decrease $130million in military aid due to concerns about human rights.

After leading the ouster of Mohamed Mursi (an elected president of the banned Islamist party the Muslim Brotherhood), Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been criticised for destroying dissent.

According to U.S. officials, the relationship between Egypt and America is complicated. This most populous Arab country has long been a crucial ally, and an important voice within the Arab World. U.S. military personnel have stressed Egypt’s importance in expediting passage of U.S. warships by the Suez Canal, and providing overflight to American military aircraft.