US Approves Chinook Sale to Egypt

On May 26, the United States approved the sale of Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to Egypt, a deal worth up to USD 2.6 billion.

The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 23 helicopters, as well as supporting equipment (including defence weapons and countermeasures), spares, training, and support, has been approved by the US Department of State.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East.

It added that the proposed sale will improve Egypt's heavy lift capability. "Egypt will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats,” it added.

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) fields 19 CH-47D Chinooks, the first of which it received in 1999. These are operated by 18 Squadron of the Kom Awshim Tactical Helicopter Regiment at Kom Awshim, approximately 50 km south of Cairo.