Home Africa United States approves Chinooks for Egypt, HIMARS launchers for Australia

United States approves Chinooks for Egypt, HIMARS launchers for Australia

Chinook for Egypt
US Army file photo of a CH-47 Chinook on operations in the Middle East

The US State Department approved several potential foreign military sales on May, 26, including the sale of CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters to Egypt and M142 HIMARS launchers to Australia.

Egypt requested to buy a total of 23 CH-47F Chinooks in a deal that would have an estimated cost of $2.6 billion, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The price tag includes navigation and missile warning systems, 75 M-240 machine guns, AN/APR-39 radar warning receivers (RWR), and radios. Other items include radar altimeters, night vision devices, and 7.62mm ammunition, as well as rescue hoists, external cargo slings and nets, Bambi fire buckets, fast rope insertion extraction systems (FRIES), and extended range fuel systems.

“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 announcement said.

Egypt was approved for the Chinook buy just days after it received green light to purchase TOW 2A radio frequency (RF) missiles.

On the same day of the Chinook sale approval for Egypt, the State Department revealed the decision to approve the sale of 20 HIMARS launchers to Australia.

The launchers and related equipment would have an estimated cost of $385 million, should the deal be concluded.

In addition to the HIMARS, Australia requested 30 M30A2 guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS), 30 alternative warhead pods with insensitive munitions propulsion systems (IMPS), 30 M31A2 GMLRS unitary (GMLRS-U) high explosive pods with IMPS; 30 XM403 extended range (ER)-GMLRS AW pods, 30 EM404 ER GMLRS unitary pods, and 10 M57 army tactical missile system (ATACMS) rockets.

Also included are reduced range practice rocket pods, vehicular intercom systems, radio communication mounts, machine gun mounts, battle management system vehicle integration kits, training equipment and other support.

“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the DSCA said.

Should a deal be concluded, the principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris.

In addition to these two sale approvals, the State Department approved further AIM-9X Block II missiles for the Netherlands. In a deal that would have an estimated worth of $117 million, the Netherlands would be buying 72 AIM-9X Block II, and 43 AIM-9X Block II+ tactical missiles for its air force.