The US State Department has approved the sale of 720 Stinger missiles to Egypt, a move intended to strengthen ties with a Middle Eastern ally.

This $740m (E£35.7bn) deal is expected to improve interoperability with US forces.

The US State Department has authorised the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Egypt.

The sale, as detailed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, includes the Stinger missiles and logistical support elements such as spare parts, testing equipment, and engineering services. Of the total, 20 will be designated for Product Verification Flight Tests, which will ensure the missiles meet operational requirements before full deployment.

Egypt's request reflects its need to support its defence systems, particularly with the existing Avenger systems.

Stinger missiles are ground-to-air defence missiles. The use of US Javelins and Stingers by Ukrainian forces was of note during earlier stages of the Russian invasion, as highlighted by GlobalData's intelligence on the US defence market.

The US has approved Stinger missiles for Taiwan within the last five years. Additionally, Raytheon secured a $624m US Army contract to produce 1,300 of the man-portable air-defence system to replenish stock sent to Ukraine. In July 2024, NATO Allies, including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, procured 940 Stinger FIM-92K missiles through a $780m contract.

The principal contractor for this sale will be RTX Corporation, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona.

In 2021, Raytheon, also known as RTX, successfully demonstrated the firing of a Stinger missile from a Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit, engaging and defeating an uncrewed aerial vehicle during a test at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.