U.S. sells advanced missiles to Egypt

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The United States government has decided to sell advanced air-to-air missiles to Egypt.

The Defense Department awarded Raytheon Systems a $54 million contract to ship hundreds of AIM-9M-2 missiles to Egypt, the Middle East Newsline reported Friday.

Raytheon will supply missiles to both Egypt and Taiwan. Egypt will obtain 414 AIM-9M-2 missiles and Taiwan will receive 182 missiles

The AIM-9M-2 is called one of the most advanced short-range missiles available to U.S. allies. The missile can be fired from most U.S.-origin airborne platforms, including Egypt's F-16 multi-role fighters.