The United States has approved a massive arms deal worth more than $5.5 billion to bolster the defense capabilities of Egypt and Morocco, reinforcing strategic military ties in the Middle East and North Africa.
The sale includes sophisticated weaponry, including advanced missiles, tanks, and precision-guided bombs, marking a significant step in enhancing the military relationship between the U.S. and these critical regional allies.
As part of the agreement, Egypt will receive 2,183 Lockheed Martin AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, valued at $630 million, and 543 Advanced Precision Kill Weapons Systems (APKWS), priced at $30 million. These upgrades will enhance Egypt’s defense capabilities and its ability to work alongside U.S. forces and other allied nations.
Additionally, Egypt is set to receive $4.69 billion worth of equipment for 555 M1A1 Abrams tanks, a major boost to its military strength. Egypt is also the only country outside the U.S. that manufactures these tanks, further strengthening its defense industry.
Morocco’s deal includes 500 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs, valued at $86 million, and 30 Raytheon AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, worth $88.4 million. These systems will enhance Morocco’s F-16V fighter jets, strengthening its air defense and its strategic position in North Africa.
While these arms sales come amid ongoing concerns over human rights issues in Egypt, they also underscore the country’s importance to U.S. interests in the region. Similarly, the deal with Morocco enhances its role as a stabilizing force in North Africa and a key partner in regional security.
Both Egypt and Morocco, which have normalized relations with Israel, are seen as crucial to U.S. efforts to maintain stability and security in the broader Middle East and North Africa regions.
