The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt of ten AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters for an estimated cost of $1.0 billion, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on November 27, 2018. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in the Middle East region. Implementation of the deal will require 25 US Government contractor representatives to carry out a 12-week visit to the country to carry out equipment checks and training.
Under the potential deal, the Government of Egypt has requested the acquisition of ten AH-64E helicopters, in addition to 24 units of the 1700-GE-701D engines with containers, 12 modernised target acquisition designation sights / pilot night-vision sensors, and 24 Honeywell embedded global positioning systems (GPS) with inertial navigation system. In addition, the sale includes the possible delivery of 24 M299 Hellfire launchers, 135 Hellfire missiles, five M36E9 captive air training missile AGM-114R and 12 AAR-57 (V) common missile warning systems. The sale also covers M230 30mm automatic guns, AVR-2 B laser detecting sets, AN/ARC 201E single channel ground and airborne radio systems, AN/APR- 39D radar warning receivers, AN/AVS-6 night vision goggles, and AN/ASN doppler radar systems.
The Egyptian Air Force placed an initial order for 36 AH-64A helicopters in 1995. The whole fleet was modernized to the AH-64D configuration in the early 2000s. Egypt requested a further 12 AH-64D Block II Apaches with Longbow radars through a Foreign Military Sale in 2009. Egypt intends to expand its existing fleet of multi-mission heavy attack helicopters to address U.S.-Egyptian interest in countering terrorist activities emanating from the Sinai Peninsula that undermine regional stability. This sale will contribute to Egypt’s military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between Egypt, the U.S., and other allies. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing these additional helicopters into its inventory.
Egypt has requested US Government contractor technical assistance, quality assurance and construction services, and other associated elements of logistics and programme support. Delivery of the AH-64E Apache aircraft and other equipment will enable the country to expand its existing fleet of multi-mission heavy attack helicopters to address US-Egyptian interest in countering terrorist activities emerging from the Sinai Peninsula region, as well as to further improve interoperability between Egypt, the US and other allies. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric Company, Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, and Raytheon will serve as the primary contractors for the proposed sale.
