Egypt Receives 3 Cyclone-Class Patrol Boats from US

Egypt's Navy has received three Cyclone-class patrol boats from the United States Navy, stated Armed Forces’ Spokesperson Gharib Abdel-Hafez in a statement on Wednesday. 

The Egyptian national flags were raised on the boats, marking their entry into service, according to a statement by the Egyptian Navy.

The handover document was signed by Commander of the Egyptian Navy, Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa, Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, and Commander of the US 5th Fleet, Brad Cooper.

“The Egyptian naval forces have recently witnessed a huge technological leap in armament systems and combat efficiency in accordance with the latest international systems,” stated the spokesperson.

Abdel-Hafez added that the Cyclone-class patrol boats are one of the most advanced units in the US Navy and represent a new addition to the Egyptian naval forces.

In a speech after receiving the boats, Atwa said that the delivery of these boats is a confirmation of the strategic cooperation and partnership between Egypt and the US.

He also stressed the importance of enhancing the capabilities of the Egyptian naval fleet to maintain security and stability in the naval forces' areas of operation.

Egypt and the US have actively cooperated in the military field in recent decades.

Both countries have conducted several joint military drills, and the US has been a major arms exporter to Egypt.

Last September, Minister of Defence and Military Production Mohamed Zaki affirmed the Egyptian Armed Forces’ keenness to boost military and security cooperation with the United States in a meeting in Egypt with Commander of US Central Command Michael Kurilla.