US State Department approves $4.7bn surface-to-air missile package to Egypt

The package includes radar systems, hundreds of missiles and logistical and engineering support from US personnel.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of a surface-to-air missile package worth $4.67bn to the government of Egypt, the Pentagon has announced.

In a statement on Thursday, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said it had agreed to a “possible Foreign Military Sale” of a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) package, including four AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar systems, hundreds of missiles, and dozens of guidance units.

NASAMS is a US- and Norwegian-developed air defence system designed to engage hostile aircraft, aerial drones, and cruise missiles.

US government employees and contractors will also provide engineering, technical and logistics support services to the Egyptian military as part of the potential deal.