U.S. proposes sales to upgrade Egypt's defenses

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency has proposed  sales to Egypt of $1.186 billion in weapons systems, including:

–156 kits to upgrade F-110-GE-100 jet aircraft engines, worth $750 million, to be built by General Electric Aviation of Cincinatti, Ohio.

–One Fast Missile Craft and armament worth $240 million, to be built by Halter-Marine of Gulfport, Mississippi.

–20 Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles worth $145 million, to be built by Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri.

–450 AGM-114k3A Hellfire II missiles and support systems, worth $51 million, to be built by HELLFIRE Limited LLC.

The announcement came within the same week the U.S. Defense Department also announced proposed military sales to  Saudia Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the engine kits for the F-110s would extend the lives of aircraft already owned by Egypt.

“The upgrades will be spread out over a six to seven year period in increments of approximately 24 engines being upgraded each year.”

Furthermore, said the agency in a press release, “Egypt will use these engine upgrades to enable continued operation of its current F-16 fleet, ensuring the Egyptian Air Force’s capability to train with U.S. and coalition forces. The upgrades will allow the EAF to continue defending Egypt’s national security and protecting its borders.”

The $240 million Fast Missile Craft would bring from three to four the number of these patrol boats on order from the U.S. Three had been previously announced by the U.S. Defense Department. The value of the total order, including the latest vessel, is $1.29 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the latest order will include one additional OTO-Malera 76mm/62 caliber Super Rapid Fire Dual Purpose guns, one additional MK 31 Mod 3 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided Missile Weapon System, as well as installation of Hull, Mechanical and Electrical Equipment; communications; operations equipment, spare and repair parts; support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documents; and U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistical support documents.

Concerning the $145 million sale of 20 Anti-Ship Harpoon Missiles, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said “Egypt intends to use the HARPOON missiles and launch systems on upgraded S-148 Tiger Class Patrol Boats which will assist in modernizing its fleet and consolidate the configuration of the surface-to-surface missiles within its inventory.”

In all cases, said the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, “the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

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Preceding compiled from four news releases of the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.