The US State Department has approved potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Egypt of 28 m patrol craft production kits and technical support worth an estimated USD 129 M (EUR 117.4 M) and additional Light Tactical Vehicle chassis and fleet build plus related equipment worth an estimated USD 200 M, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 10 January 2024.
Both potential sales have been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
The patrol craft production kits consist of rigid-hull inflatable boats, forward-looking infrared systems, and computer packages; technical and logistics support services; transportation; spare parts, materials, equipment, and components; and other related elements of logistical and programme support.
This proposed sale “will assist the government of Egypt’s maritime patrol and interdiction efforts to contribute to regional maritime security efforts in the Mediterranean and Red Sea”, the DSCA noted.
The principal contractor for the patrol boat kits will be Swiftships of Morgan City, Louisiana.
The Light Tactical Vehicle chassis and fleet build requested by Egypt are in addition to a previously implemented FMS case, valued at USD 41.9 M, that included 4-Man REV1-B rolling chassis with 190 HP diesel engines upgraded to 205 HP turbocharged engines; training for chassis assembly process, operations, and maintenance; spare and repair parts; testing equipment; US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and programme support.
This proposed sale “will contribute to the modernisation of Egypt’s Light Tactical Vehicle fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats [and] will contribute to Egypt’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies” the DSCA stated.
The principal contractor in this case will be AM General of Mishawaka, Indiana.
