US approves $5B arms sale to Egypt
M1A1 Abrams tank (Courtesy of SCMP)
The United States has authorized the sale of over $5 billion in military equipment to Egypt, reinforcing its strategic partnership with Cairo despite ongoing human rights concerns. The approved sale includes $4.69 billion to upgrade 555 US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks, $630 million for 2,183 Hellfire missiles, and $30 million for precision-guided munitions.
Why it matters
Egypt’s role in mediating the ongoing Gaza crisis has elevated its importance as a U.S. ally in the Middle East. However, the decision to approve the arms sale raises questions about the Biden administration’s stance on human rights, particularly under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government, which has faced widespread allegations of political repression.
Details
- Strategic justification: The State Department said the sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by bolstering the defenses of a “Major Non-NATO Ally” in the region.
- Historical context: Egypt has been one of the largest recipients of U.S. security aid since signing its peace treaty with Israel in 1979. This latest deal underscores the continuity of this longstanding alliance.
- Additional sales: The State Department also approved $295 million in arms for Taiwan, $170 million for Morocco, and $130 million for Greece, reflecting a broader strategy of reinforcing alliances globally.
Zoom in
- Gaza mediation efforts: Egypt’s active role in the Gaza conflict, particularly in brokering ceasefires and coordinating humanitarian aid, has solidified its position as a key player in regional diplomacy.
- Human rights concerns: Despite President Joe Biden’s early pledges to take a tougher stance on Egypt’s human rights record, the administration has continued to approve arms deals. Critics argue this undermines efforts to address crackdowns on political freedoms under El-Sisi’s government.
Zoom out
- US-Taiwan defense relations: The $295 million arms deal for Taiwan, along with $571.3 million in new military aid announced earlier, reflects U.S. efforts to counter rising tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
- Global arms sales strategy: The Biden administration’s approval of arms deals across the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe signals a broader effort to reinforce alliances and respond to regional security threats.
What’s next
Congress will review the arms sales, but opposition is unlikely to succeed given Egypt’s strategic significance. As the Biden administration balances security partnerships with human rights concerns, scrutiny from advocacy groups and lawmakers is expected to intensify.
