US Senate backs massive $2.2 billion arms sale to Egypt
The US Senate backed on Thursday with an overwhelming majority in an 81-18 vote a massive arms sale, including military cargo planes, to Egypt worth $2.2 billion, according to US news website Politico.
File Photo: The US Senate .AP
In late January, the US administration first announced the deal including 12 Super Hercules C-130 transport aircraft and related equipment, in addition to air defence radar systems.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said at the time the sale "will improve Egypt's capability to meet current and future threats by providing airlift support for its forces by moving supplies, equipment and people."
The aircraft can also be used for maritime patrol and rescue missions, it added.
The US has been providing Egypt with foreign aid, including military assistance, since Cairo's 1979 peace deal with Israel.
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