The US State Department has approved the possible sale of 720 Stinger missiles to Egypt for an estimated cost of $740 million.
This potential deal includes 720 anti-aircraft Stinger FIM-92 missiles, spare parts, testing equipment, contractor engineering, as well as logistical and program support.
The Stinger FIM-92, designed by Raytheon for the US military, is a surface-to-air weapon for targeting low-flying aircraft.
Because of its compact and light features, weighing about 10 kilograms (22 pounds), it can be carried by a single soldier.
An incorporated infrared guidance system allows the missile to track and hit targets up to 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) away and as high as 3.8 kilometers (2.3 miles) in the air.
US and Egypt Military Relations
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the Stinger sale would “improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East.”
The announcement comes a few weeks after the US released $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken waived some human rights conditions as part of the aid, stressing Egypt’s importance in promoting regional peace.
Since the start of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, Cairo has played a key role as a mediator in the negotiations to reach a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
