The U.S. State Department has approved two major potential arms deals with Egypt, totaling an estimated $929 million, the Pentagon announced Tuesday.
The proposed sales, which include advanced radar systems and upgrades to Egypt’s naval capabilities, are intended to bolster Egypt’s defense infrastructure and support U.S. foreign policy objectives in the Middle East.
The first package, valued at approximately $304 million, includes the sale of AN/TPS-78 long-range radar systems, along with cryptographic devices, GPS equipment, and personnel training services.
Northrop Grumman has been identified as the principal contractor for this deal.
The second, larger deal, estimated at $625 million, focuses on the modernization of Egypt’s fast missile craft (FMC) fleet. This package includes the provision of four Component Based Total Ship System combat management systems, air and surface surveillance radars, electro-optical/infrared sensor systems, electronic warfare systems, and upgrades to 76 mm naval guns.
Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Technologies will serve as the primary contractors for the FMC modernization.
“This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
The DSCA has submitted the required certification to Congress, which now has 30 days to review and potentially block the sale.
The Pentagon emphasized that the proposed sales would enhance Egypt’s capacity to address regional threats, particularly in maritime security, without altering the military balance in the Middle East.
Implementation of the proposed sales will not require the deployment of additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to Egypt, and no offset agreements have been proposed at this time.
The final cost and specifics of the deals will depend on further negotiations between Egypt and the contractors, as well as the allocation of budget authority.
