State Dept. gives nod to possible border security system sale to Egypt

WASHINGTON, July 9 (UPI) -- The possible sale of a mobile surveillance sensor system to Egypt for border security has been approved by the U.S. State Department.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which manages the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, said the required certification was given to Congress and that the package deal carries an estimated cost of $100 million.

"This mobile surveillance sensor security system will provide Egypt with advanced capabilities intended to bolster its border surveillance capabilities along its border with Libya and elsewhere," the agency said. "This procurement is intended for Egyptian Border Guard Forces, which currently lack any remote detection capability along unpatrolled areas of Egypt's borders.

"This system would provide an early warning capability to allow for faster response times to mitigate threats to the border guards and the civilian population."

The complete package requested by Egypt consists of the procurement and construction of one commercial off-the-shelf border security mobile surveillance sensor security system. The system would include sub-systems, such as mobile surveillance sensor towers, mobile command-and-control (C2) systems, a regional C2 system, and voice/data communications equipment.

Spare parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, as well as technical and logistics support, would also be part of the deal.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," DSCA told Congress.

A principal contractor for the system has not yet been determined.