Egypt has requested a possible sale of eight Sentinel AN/MPQ-64F1 radars, support vehicles, radios, spares and training from the United States in a deal that could be worth $70 million.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 19 September announced that the State Department had approved the possible foreign military sale, with the DSCA notifying Congress on 16 September.
The possible deal includes Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) VRC-92E Radios, 16 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) with Shelter Carrier Kit, as well as support and training. The total overall estimated cost of equipment and support is $70 million.
“The Government of Egypt intends to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attack. This will contribute to Egypt’s military goal of updating its capabilities while further enhancing interoperability among Egypt, the United States, and other allies,” the DSCA said.
The principal contractor involved in the programme is Thales Raytheon Systems.
According to the company, the X-band 3D AN/MPQ-64F1 Improved Sentinel radar can detect helicopters, high speed attack aircraft, cruise missile and unmanned aerial vehicles as well as rockets, artillery and mortars. Airspace search range is more than 75 km.
More than 200 systems have been ordered worldwide, with more than 100 delivered or in production. Future enhancements currently in development include an 80 percent increase in the radar’s detection range.
The Improved Sentinel can be used to cue weapons, including Stinger missile based SHORAD weapon systems, VSHORAD missile systems and air defence guns.
