Egypt and Morocco approved $5.5 billion arms deal with USA, aiming to enhance their defense capabilities and deepen strategic partnerships.
Egypt is set to receive up to 2,183 Lockheed Martin AGM-114R Hellfire missiles in a $630 million package that includes spare parts, logistics, and training. Additionally, the country will acquire 543 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) worth $30 million, complementing a previous purchase of 216 APKWS units.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that these sales would enhance Egypt’s ability to counter regional threats and improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. “The proposed sale will improve Egypt’s capability to meet current and future threats,” the DSCA noted.
The State Department also approved a $4.69 billion deal to support 555 M1A1 Abrams tanks operated by Egypt. As the only country besides the U.S. that produces these tanks, Egypt’s strategic value to Washington is significant. The DSCA highlighted that the deal would “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally.”
For Morocco, the approved sales include up to 500 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs for $86 million and 30 Raytheon AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles valued at $88.4 million. These systems are designed to equip Morocco’s F-16V fighter jets, strengthening its aerial combat capabilities.
The DSCA emphasized that the sales align with U.S. foreign policy goals by reinforcing the security of Major Non-NATO Allies, such as Morocco, which play key roles in political stability and economic progress in North Africa.
These deals underscore the strategic importance of both nations to U.S. interests, despite ongoing concerns over human rights issues in Egypt. While Cairo’s relationship with Washington remains pivotal for regional stability, Morocco’s bolstered military capabilities further its position as a stabilizing force in North Africa. Both Egypt and Morocco are Major Non-NATO Allies and maintain normalized relations with Israel.