US Approves $2.56 Billion in Military Sales to Egypt

Arab World

January 26th, 8:22am

Asharq Al-Awsat

US arms for Egypt: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L behind) speaking with military officers during the inauguration of the new "July 3" naval base in Gargoub. - EGYPTIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP

The US State Department approved Tuesday two major military equipment sales to Egypt of transport aircraft and radar systems. The sale of 12 C-130 J Super Hercules transports and accompanying equipment is worth $2.2 billion, AFP reported on Wednesday. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale, still not finalized, "will improve Egypt's capability to meet current and future threats by providing airlift support for its forces by moving supplies, equipment, and people." The aircraft can also be used for maritime patrol and rescue missions, it added. In a second deal, Egypt can buy ground-based air defense systems worth $355 million to help it fend off air threats. The State Department said the proposed sale would “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that remains an important strategic partner in the Middle East.”

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3437196/us-approves-256-billion-military-sales-egypt