Egypt Secures Advanced US Missile Deal, Bolstering Air power amid Shifting Regional Dynamics
TEL AVIV – July 30, 2025 – In a notable shift in American defense policy, Egypt has finalized a landmark deal to acquire advanced AIM-120 missiles from the United States, a move poised to dramatically enhance the armament capabilities of its fighter jet fleet. The agreement, which includes the sophisticated Norwegian NASAMS air defense system, marks a departure from years of US reluctance to supply these potent weapons to Cairo, a stance previously influenced by a desire to maintain Israel’s technological edge in the region.
The comprehensive package, valued at an estimated $4.67 billion, will see Egypt receive a substantial arsenal of air-to-air missiles, including 100 AIM-120ER “Amram” and 100 AIM-120C variants, alongside 600 AIM-9X “Sidewinder” missiles for short-range engagements.The deal also encompasses crucial radar systems, sensors, and command and control infrastructure, all designed to bolster Egypt’s air defense capabilities against a spectrum of threats, including drones and cruise missiles.
This procurement is especially noteworthy for its impact on Egypt’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, which forms the backbone of its air force with approximately 220 aircraft. Previously, these aircraft were largely equipped with the older AIM-7 “Sparrow” missiles, a limitation stemming from past US hesitations to approve the sale of more advanced “Amram” missiles. The new deal will allow Egyptian F-16s to be armed with these cutting-edge weapons,considerably upgrading their combat effectiveness.
The strategic implications of this sale are being closely watched. While the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency maintains that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the acquisition represents a substantial leap forward for Egypt’s military modernization efforts.Analysts suggest that the US approval may also be an effort to preempt Egypt from forging deeper arms procurement ties with western European nations or China, as Cairo actively pursues a strategy of diversifying its defense suppliers to avoid over-reliance on any single country.
The NASAMS system itself, a joint venture between Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and American giant Raytheon, is a proven ground-based air defense solution capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Its integration with the AIM-120 missiles allows for a versatile launch platform, enabling the same missile to be deployed from both ground-based batteries and airborne combat aircraft, a capability already utilized by over a dozen foreign militaries and even for the protection of critical assets in Washington D.C. The deal underscores Egypt’s commitment to enhancing its air defense posture and its growing strategic importance in regional security.
