State Dept. approves possible radar sale to Egypt

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Egypt has received U.S. State Department approval for the acquisition of Sentinel AN/MPQ-64F1 radars through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

The possible sale -- together with related equipment, training and support -- would carry a price tag of about $70 million.

"The Government of Egypt intends to expand its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a required notification to Congress. "This will contribute to Egypt's military goal of updating its capabilities while further enhancing interoperability among Egypt, the United States, and other allies."

DSCA is the Pentagon agency that manages the FMS program.

Specifically covered by the proposed sales package are eight Sentinel AN/MPQ-64F1 radars and software and training, spares and support equipment, technical manuals, Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) VRC-92E Radios, 16 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles with shelter carrier kit, U.S. Government and contractor support, training and other associated support, equipment and services.

The principal contractor would be Thales Raytheon Systems. Ten U.S. Government or contractor representatives would be required to travel to Egypt for a period of 8 weeks for equipment checkout and training.