US Approves $2.5B Radars, Planes Sales to Egypt

Egypt may receive a dozen C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and air defence radar systems, according to the US Biden administration.

The C-130Js and accompanying equipment that could be sold to Egypt are likely to cost around $2.2 billion, according to the US Department of State announcement of the Foreign Military Sale approval on Tuesday. The radar systems and related equipment are expected to cost $355 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the proposed sale on Tuesday, according to the department.

Egypt requested the purchase of 12 Lockheed Martin C-130Js, each with four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D turboprop engines and a dozen spare engines, as well as GPS navigation systems, identification transponders, missile warning systems, countermeasure systems, and other items.

According to the State Department, Egypt intends to purchase three SPS-48 land-based radar systems, as well as spare parts, motor generators, repeaters, radomes, and other equipment. The main contractor in this sale would be L3Harris Surveillance Systems of Van Nuys, California.

The sale of the C-130Js will allow Egypt to better support its forces on duties such as border security and anti-terrorism, as well as respond to internal security threats and offer humanitarian aid, according to the department. The C-130s would be used for maritime patrol and search and rescue missions as well.

On its part, the US Department of State announced on its Twitter account authorizing a proposed Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Egypt for their purchase of up to 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of up to $2.2 billion.