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C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft are among over $3 billion in military equipment ordered by the Egyptian government.
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The US State Department has approved the sale of 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and related equipment to Egypt for approximately US$2.2 billion ($3.1 billion).
The order includes the delivery of personnel training and training equipment; and US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
“The proposed sale will improve Egypt’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing airlift support for its forces by moving supplies, equipment and people, thus strengthening its capacity in the security and humanitarian arena.”
The fleet is expected to assist with border security, the interdiction of known terrorist elements, rapid reaction to internal security threats and humanitarian aid.
Egypt also plans to deploy the Super Hercules aircraft for patrol missions and search and rescue missions in the region.
A separate order for Air Defense Radar Systems and related equipment has also been approved by the US State Department.
The deal is valued at approximately US$355 million ($505 million).
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the DSCA added.
[Related: Pentagon places 8,500 US troops on ‘heightened alert’, US government confirms]
