The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of Light Tactical Vehicle Chassis and related equipment for an estimated cost of $200 million. The Government of Egypt has requested to buy additional light tactical vehicle chassis and fleet build that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original Foreign Military Sales case, valued at $41.9 million, included 4-Man REV1-B Rolling Chassis with 190 horsepower (HP) diesel engines upgraded to 205HP turbocharged engines; training for chassis assembly process, operations, maintenance; spare parts; testing equipment; technical, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The principal contractor will be AM General, LLC, of Mishawaka, IN.
As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and bolster its military capabilities, the Egyptian Army has recently secured approval from the US State Department for a contract alteration that involves the acquisition of additional light tactical vehicle chassis from AM General. This strategic move aims to further enhance Egypt’s military mobility and interoperability with its allies, particularly the United States. The Egyptian Army, currently equipped with 114 units of the Sherpa 4×4 light utility vehicle from US manufacturer Arquus Defense, has been actively seeking ways to diversify and strengthen its ground forces. These Sherpa vehicles were procured between 2012 and 2016, demonstrating a longstanding partnership between Egypt and Arquus Defense. As of 2021, AM General is making the Bastion. Its chassis is based on the ACMAT VLRA. In 2018, Arquus, owner of ACMAT, signed a contract with AM General to propose the Bastion as an armored ambulance for the U.S. Army.
Now, with the recent contract alteration approved by the US State Department, Egypt is set to incorporate additional vehicle chassis from AM General, further diversifying its fleet. The intriguing aspect of this development lies in the potential similarities between Arquus’s 4×4 chassis and AM General’s 4-Man REV1-B Rolling Chassis. Alternatively, it raises the possibility that the Egyptian Government is considering procuring AM General’s Light Tactical Vehicle options. Given AM General’s recent success in surpassing its Wisconsin-based rival, Oshkosh, as the supplier for the US Department of Defense’s latest Joint Light Tactical Vehicle A2 variant, this becomes a viable and strategic option for Egypt. The inclusion of AM General chassis in Egypt’s military arsenal aligns with the country’s overarching goal of updating its military capabilities.
The move not only enhances Egypt’s ground mobility but also strengthens its ties and interoperability with the United States and other allied nations. While the precise motivation behind this procurement remains speculative, the practical implications are clear. These additional AM General chassis will contribute significantly to Egypt’s military modernization efforts, providing the armed forces with state-of-the-art equipment that aligns with global standards. The Egyptian Army is well-positioned to absorb and integrate these new assets seamlessly, further solidifying its role as a key player in regional security. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, Egypt’s strategic investment in military mobility reflects its commitment to staying ahead in an ever-changing security environment.
