By Emmanuel Nduka
The United States has approved over $5.5 billion in arms sales to Egypt and Morocco, aimed at bolstering their defense capabilities and reinforcing strategic alliances in the Middle East and North Africa.
The deals involve sophisticated weaponry, including advanced missiles, tanks, and precision-guided bombs, underscoring the growing military ties between the U.S. and these key partners.
In the deal, Egypt will receive up to 2,183 Lockheed Martin AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, worth $630 million, alongside 543 Advanced Precision Kill Weapons Systems (APKWS), valued at $30 million. These upgrades are designed to enhance Egypt’s defense against regional threats and improve interoperability with U.S. forces and other allies.
The U.S. also approved the sale of $4.69 billion worth of equipment for 555 M1A1 Abrams tanks, further strengthening Egypt’s military capabilities. Notably, Egypt is the only country outside of the U.S. that manufactures the M1A1 Abrams, a significant boost to its defense industry.
Meanwhile, Morocco will receive 500 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs, valued at $86 million, and 30 Raytheon AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, priced at $88.4 million. These systems will enhance the capabilities of Morocco’s F-16V fighter jets, bolstering its aerial defense and positioning it as a stronger force in the region.
Heritage Times HT reports that the arms sales align with U.S. foreign policy, reinforcing security for these Major Non-NATO Allies.
While the deals come amidst ongoing concerns over human rights violations in Egypt, they also underscore the nation’s strategic importance for U.S. interests in the Middle East. Similarly, the deal with Morocco highlights its role as a stabilizing force in North Africa, further cementing its importance in regional security.
Both countries, which have normalized relations with Israel, are seen as critical to U.S. efforts in maintaining political stability and advancing security partnerships in the region.
