By Al-Fassel | 2024-09-30

The United States recently approved the sale of 720 Stinger missiles to Egypt, with related logistics and program support, for use on existing systems.

The sale will help "improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East," a State Department statement said.

It comes after the State Department's recent unconditional release of military aid to Egypt which attests to the strength of the strategic partnership between the two nations and signals US confidence in Cairo.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Cairo September 18 and hailed the partnership with Egypt, which along with Qatar has been working with Washington to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Egypt asked to purchase the Stinger missiles "for vehicle-based use on existing Avenger systems," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

The DSCA delivered the required certification notifying US Congress of the possible sale on September 24.

Congress can still block the sale, but such attempts are usually unsuccessful, AFP reported.

Included in the purchase is 20 Product Verification Flight Test munitions, spare and repair parts, testing equipment, engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

"The proposed sale will improve Egypt's capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing Egypt's ability to defend itself against regional malign actors," DSCA said.

It also will "improve interoperability with systems operated by US forces and other regional security partners," it added.

"Egypt's continued investment in its defensive capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, transportation infrastructure, and its residents," it said. "Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing Stinger missiles into its armed forces."