Egypt Daily News – The United States has approved a potential arms deal with Egypt worth approximately $4.67 billion, underscoring ongoing defense cooperation between the two nations despite recent regional tensions and human rights concerns.
According to a statement from the Pentagon, the U.S. State Department has given the green light for the possible sale of surface-to-air missiles and associated logistical support to Cairo. The deal, which still requires final approval from the U.S. Congress, includes advanced missile systems, spare parts, and training components designed to enhance Egypt’s national air defense capabilities.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which oversees U.S. foreign military sales, notified lawmakers of the decision, describing the deal as consistent with America’s foreign policy objectives and national security interests. The proposed sale is aimed at helping Egypt “meet current and future threats” by improving its ability to defend its airspace against hostile incursions and missile attacks.
While specific details about the missile systems were not disclosed in the initial announcement, such sales typically include equipment like the Patriot or NASAMS systems, known for their capability to intercept both aircraft and ballistic threats.
The approval comes at a time of heightened security concerns across the Middle East, including ongoing instability in neighboring Libya and increasing tensions along the Red Sea and Sinai Peninsula. As a key U.S. ally and one of the largest recipients of American military aid, Egypt plays a pivotal role in regional security frameworks, counterterrorism operations, and the maintenance of peace agreements, particularly with Israel.
However, the sale is likely to raise questions among U.S. lawmakers and rights organizations, many of whom have criticized Cairo’s human rights record under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Washington has, in the past, withheld or conditioned military aid based on Egypt’s domestic policies and alleged crackdowns on dissent.
Still, U.S. officials argue that a stable and well-equipped Egyptian military contributes significantly to regional balance and helps secure strategic corridors like the Suez Canal. Analysts note that arms deals of this scale also reflect broader geopolitical calculations, including efforts to counter growing influence from rival powers such as Russia and China in North Africa and the Middle East.
The coming weeks will determine whether Congress will allow the deal to proceed unchallenged or push for modifications in light of ongoing debates about arms exports and their implications for human rights and regional stability.
