US approves $5.5 billion in arms sales to Egypt and Morocco
The US has approved arms sales of over $5.5 billion to Egypt and Morocco, as part of efforts to boost defence and strengthen strategic ties in the North African region, largely as a result of Russia’s growing presence in the continent.
According to America’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed sale will improve Egypt’s capability to ‘meet current and future threats by enhancing its ability to defend itself against ‘regional malign actors’, and boost compatibility with US operated systems.
Egypt will reportedly receive around 2,183 Lockheed Martin AGM-114R Hellfire missiles worth $630 million, and 543 Advanced Precision Kill Weapons Systems worth $30 million
The US State Department also announced a further $4.6 billion of 555 M1A1 Abrams tank equipment for Egypt on Friday 20th December.
The DSCA stated that the sale would ‘[support] the national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally country that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East.”
Similarly, Morocco is set to purchase approximately 500 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs for $86 million and $88.4 million worth of 30 Raytheon AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, to strengthen Moroccan aerial combat capability.
The DSCA further emphasised that these sales align with US interests to improve non-NATO alliances and promote political stability and economic progress in North Africa.
READ: France-Morocco military chiefs meet, amid growing ties
This recent announcement, in light of growing concerns about human rights violations in Egypt, also highlights Cairo’s strategic importance for US foreign interests. In regard to Morocco, these sales are supposedly to improve military strength, and in light of its recent economic developments, to reinforce its role as a Major Non-NATO Ally. Both Egypt and Morocco have normalised relations with Israel, the latter recently signing an agreement on December 22nd, despite opposition from Moroccans in solidarity with Gaza.
Middle East Monitor
