US Approves $2.56 Billion in Military Sales to Egypt

US arms for Egypt: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L behind) speaking with military officers during the inauguration of the new "July 3" naval base in Gargoub. - EGYPTIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP
US arms for Egypt: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L behind) speaking with military officers during the inauguration of the new "July 3" naval base in Gargoub. - EGYPTIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP
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US Approves $2.56 Billion in Military Sales to Egypt

US arms for Egypt: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L behind) speaking with military officers during the inauguration of the new "July 3" naval base in Gargoub. - EGYPTIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP
US arms for Egypt: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L behind) speaking with military officers during the inauguration of the new "July 3" naval base in Gargoub. - EGYPTIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP

The US State Department approved Tuesday two major military equipment sales to Egypt of transport aircraft and radar systems.

The sale of 12 C-130 J Super Hercules transports and accompanying equipment is worth $2.2 billion, AFP reported on Wednesday.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale, still not finalized, "will improve Egypt's capability to meet current and future threats by providing airlift support for its forces by moving supplies, equipment, and people."

The aircraft can also be used for maritime patrol and rescue missions, it added.

In a second deal, Egypt can buy ground-based air defense systems worth $355 million to help it fend off air threats.

The State Department said the proposed sale would “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that remains an important strategic partner in the Middle East.”



Israel Intercepts Missile from Yemen, Military Says

A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)
A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)
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Israel Intercepts Missile from Yemen, Military Says

A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)
A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had intercepted a projectile launched from Yemen that crossed into Israeli territory.

Sirens had earlier sounded in several areas of Israel.

The Iran-backed Houthi group has repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what it has described as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The firing of the projectile came after Israel resumed airstrikes against targets in Gaza that killed more than 400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, in an onslaught that ended weeks of relative calm after talks to secure a permanent ceasefire stalled.