The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of 23 Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters to Egypt, for an estimated amount of $2.6 billion, according to a notice published on May 26, 2022. It now has to be approved by the US Congress.
In addition to the 23 aircraft, the government of Egypt also requested the sale of 56 T-55-GA-714A engines (46 installed and 10 spare), 52 inertial navigation systems, 29 AN/AAR-57 missile warning systems and a variety of other avionics, 75 machine guns M-240 with their ammunition, and maintenance equipment.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East, the DSCA said in a statement. “Egypt will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats.”
The Egyptian Air Force already operates the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Currently, 19 aircraft, namely 16 CH-47D and 3 CH-47C, are flown by the 18th and 33rd squadrons, both based in Kom Awshim Air Base, southwest of Cairo.
