US approves $4.67 billion air defence system sale to Egypt

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt involving the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and related support, with an estimated cost of $4.67 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) officially notified Congress of the potential deal.

Egypt has requested a range of missile and radar systems, including four AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radars, 100 AMRAAM-ER missiles, and 600 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles. The package also includes training systems, communications equipment, GPS receivers, spares, support tools, and contractor services.

The U.S. government stated, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.” It added that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The sale is intended to enhance Egypt’s capability to detect and respond to current and future air threats. The DSCA confirmed, “Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”

The primary contractor for the sale is RTX Corporation, based in Andover, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements associated with the proposed transaction.