U.S. Approves $740 Million Stinger Missile Sale to Egypt

The United States Department of State has given its approval for a potential sale of 720 Stinger missiles to Egypt, valued at $740 million. This development comes as the demand for these air defense weapons has surged, particularly in light of their effectiveness in Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

The FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS), has been in service since 1981 and has proven its worth in various conflicts. With a range of approximately 4,800 meters and the ability to engage targets up to 3,800 meters in altitude, these missiles have become a crucial asset in modern warfare.

Unlike the shoulder-fired launcher commonly associated with Stinger missiles, Egypt plans to integrate these weapons into vehicles equipped with the Avenger launcher system. The Avenger Air Defense System is a self-propelled platform capable of carrying eight Stinger missiles in two quad-missile launchers, enhancing mobility and firepower.

RTX Corp, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, has been named as the principal contractor for this deal. As one of the world's largest aerospace and defense manufacturers, RTX Corp brings significant expertise to the production of these sophisticated weapons.

This summer, several NATO members placed an order for Stinger missiles worth nearly $700 million, extending the production lines' order backlog through 2029. Egypt's purchase further adds to this backlog, highlighting the ongoing demand for these effective air defense systems.

"The U.S. has provided over $50 billion in military and economic aid to Egypt since 1978."

It's worth noting that Egypt has been a major recipient of U.S. military aid since the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. The country's military is one of the largest in Africa and the Middle East, and this latest acquisition will further bolster its air defense capabilities.

The Stinger missile's effectiveness has been demonstrated in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War and the Gulf War. Its success against Soviet aircraft in Afghanistan led to significant changes in Soviet air tactics. More recently, the missile has played a crucial role in Ukraine's defense against Russian air assaults.

As the U.S. Army works on developing a replacement for the aging Stinger missile due to diminishing manufacturing sources, this sale to Egypt represents a continued reliance on this battle-proven technology. With Stinger missiles exported to at least 30 countries, their global significance in air defense strategies remains undeniable.