The US State Department has given its approval for a substantial $625 million sale aimed at enhancing Egypt’s maritime defense capabilities through the provision of modernization kits and services for its fleet of fast missile craft. This deal includes the request made by Cairo for four Component Based Total Ship System – 21st Century (COMBATSS-21) combat management systems specifically designated for its Ambassador MK III class vessels, commonly referred to as the Ezzat class.
The COMBATSS-21 system is designed to offer real-time situational awareness and threat analysis for naval platforms, constructed from the Aegis Common Source Library. This modern system shares important technological similarities with the Aegis Baseline 9, which is employed on Aegis cruisers and destroyers. Notably, its open architecture enables seamless integration of new sensors, weaponry, and capability enhancements, thereby fortifying defenses against a spectrum of evolving threats.
In addition to the primary combat management systems, Cairo’s acquisition request encompasses a variety of essential components aimed at bolstering its naval operational capabilities. These include advanced air and surface surveillance radars, chaff decoy systems, infrared sensor systems, electronic warfare systems, and navigation data distribution systems. According to the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this proposed sale is expected to significantly enhance Egypt’s ability to address current and future threats, thereby improving the operational and tactical prowess of the Egyptian Navy in support of its strategic maritime security objectives.
Lockheed Martin and L3Harris have been identified as the principal contractors responsible for this contract, ensuring that the necessary technologies and systems are delivered and implemented effectively.
The fast missile craft involved in this sale were originally developed through the US foreign military sales program, with deliveries occurring in 2013 and 2014. Constructed by VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Mississippi, these vessels benefited from design assistance provided by Lockheed Martin. Each craft is armed with eight RGM-84 Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles, enhancing their offensive capabilities. For defensive operations, the Ezzat class vessels are equipped with a 21-cell RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launcher and a Mk 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System Block 1B, providing a robust defense against aerial threats.
This recent approval marks a significant step in bolstering Egypt’s maritime security efforts, emphasizing the ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Egypt.
