U.S. Approves $4.67 Billion Missile Sale to Egypt
The U.S. State Department announced that it has approved a possible $4.67 billion defense sale of the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) to Egypt on July 24, 2025. Under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, Egypt requested a complete NASAMS package. This included four AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar units, 100 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, 100 AMRAAM-ER missiles, and 600 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, along with training missiles and guidance units. T
The package also comprises launchers, fire-control centers, and various support equipment. Additionally, it covers non-MDE items such as electro-optical sensors, communication systems, Identification, Friend-or-Foe (IFF) equipment, precision GPS receivers, cryptographic devices, extensive spare parts, trainers, and technical support to deploy the system. The sale provides Egypt with a modern medium-range air-defense network capable of engaging aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. NASAMS would give Egypt a major upgrade against low-flying cruise missiles and drone threats.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale “will improve Egypt’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to detect various air threats”. The agency also insisted the arms sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region”, reflecting Israel’s security interests under the peace treaty.
Raytheon Technologies (RTX Corp.) will be the prime contractor for the program. Implementation will involve sending approximately 26 U.S. government personnel and 34 contractor specialists to Egypt for an extended period to field equipment, conduct system checks, provide training, and offer support. No specific delivery schedule was announced; however, such complex systems often require years to be fully deployed. In addition to hardware, the sale includes classroom trainers and extensive engineering and logistics support to ensure Egyptian forces can operate the system effectively.
U.S. officials emphasize that this $4.67 billion defense sale will help modernize the Egyptian military and reinforce a partnership that “serves U.S. national security interests,” including counterterrorism and regional stability. Washington has informed Congress of the upcoming sale; lawmakers have a 30-day window to approve or oppose the deal, though such actions are uncommon. Human rights and watchdog groups have previously criticized large U.S. arms transfers to Egypt due to Cairo’s internal repression. However, the current administration has shown willingness to waive human rights conditions to pursue strategic cooperation. For the moment, all eyes are on Cairo, where officials will soon negotiate final terms and begin the long task of integrating NASAMS into Egypt’s air defenses as part of its ongoing military modernization program.