Egyptian Arms Deal Approved: $5 Billion Investment Marks a New Era in U.S. Relations
The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Friday that the State Department has approved a potential arms deal with Egypt, estimated to surpass $5 billion.
This agreement primarily focuses on the upgrade and refurbishment of Abrams tanks, which constitute the largest segment of the contract, with an expected cost of $4.69 billion. The project will be executed by General Dynamics Land Systems.
Moreover, the deal includes the sale of additional military apparatus, featuring Hellfire missiles priced at $630 million, and precision munitions systems amounting to $30 million.
This arrangement is part of a series of arms agreements between the United States and Egypt in recent years. In 2022, Washington authorized a $2.56 billion military equipment package for Cairo, incorporating heavy-lift transport aircraft and air defense systems. That same year, in May, the U.S. revealed the sale of Chinook CH-47F helicopters to Egypt for $2.6 billion.
Egypt is identified as the sixth-largest arms importer globally during the 2018-2022 period, accounting for 4.5% of worldwide arms imports, as stated by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Characteristics of Abrams Tanks
The M1 Abrams tank has been the U.S. military’s principal combat tank since its inception in 1980 and is acknowledged as one of the most powerful tanks in the world.
In 1992, Egypt produced its first Abrams tank at Factory 200, according to the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper. By 1994, Egypt had completed the manufacturing of its first 100 tanks of this model, with continuing endeavors to enhance local production components ever since.
Abrams tanks are renowned for their proficiency in engaging other tanks and penetrating enemy fortifications. They are meticulously designed to traverse open terrains with great efficiency.
