It comes as Washington is continuing to evaluate last week's overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi by the army.

The bombers’ delivery also came following the arrest warrants issued for the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, and nine other senior figures in the movement.

The US officials say Washington will deliver four F-16 fighter jets in the next few weeks.

They are part of an already agreed bigger order of 20 planes - eight of which were sent to Egypt in January. The final eight are expected to be shipped later this year.

White House spokesman Jay Carney on Wednesday reiterated that it would not be "in the best interests of the United States to make immediate changes to our assistance programs".

He added that the administration would take its time to consider the implications of removing Mr Morsi from power.

US military aid to Egypt is estimated to be $1.3bn each year.