The US has approved the sale of three air defence radar systems, twelve C-130 Super Hercules military transport aircraft, and related equipment to the Egyptian government for a total sum of $2.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), responsible for the supply of military equipment and weapons abroad under intergovernmental agreements, announced this on Tuesday.
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According to the agency, the Egyptian government "has requested for the purchase of twelve C-130 Super Hercules aircraft" with all related equipment and technical support, the estimated value of the transaction will be $2.2 billion. Additionally, Egypt is interested in buying three SPS-48 land-based radars worth $355 million. On Tuesday, the US State Department approved the requests and notified Congress of the decision.
According to the statement, "The proposed sale will improve Egypt’s capability to meet current and future threats," as well as "support the foreign policy and national security of the United States" by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally country that "continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East."
In November 2021, the United States and Egypt held bilateral strategic talks in Washington. As a result, they expressed their mutual commitment to cooperation in the defence sphere, in particular in order to combat terrorism and ensure border security. The parties also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring stability in the Middle East.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the US plans to intensify strategic dialogue with Egypt, increase the frequency of bilateral negotiations rounds. On April 26, 2022, the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will have one-hundred-year anniversary.
Source: TASS
