Egypt receives two more Fast Missile patrol boats

CAIRO, June 23 (UPI) -- The United States has delivered two Fast Missile naval vessels to Egypt for introduction into service in the coming weeks.

The two boats, made in Mississippi, arrived in the port of Alexandria on board a U.S. transport ship late last week, the U.S. Embassy reported.

"The Fast Missile Craft directly supports maritime and regional security, which includes protecting vital waterways such as the Suez Canal and the Red Sea," said U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official in Cairo, Maj. General Charles Hooper. "This delivery is a sign of America's ongoing commitment to Egypt and to our shared security interests in Egypt and the region."

The two boats double the Egyptian Navy fleet of Fast Missile vessels, which are designed to counter Egypt's current maritime surface threats and provide freedom of navigation.

The United States financed Egypt's acquisition of all four Fast Missile vessels, the Embassy said.