Egypt is scheduled to receive a dozen C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin via the FMS programme. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The planned $2.2 billion FMS deal for Lockheed Martin to sell a dozen C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft and associated equipment to Egypt passed an important milestone on Thursday, after the US Senate voted 81-18 in favour of the proposal.
A group of senators, led by Republican Rand Paul, had attempted to block the FMS deal on human rights grounds.
On 25 January, the US State Department approved the Super Hercules sale and a $355 million deal for L3Harris Technologies to provide Egypt with SPS-48 air defence radar systems.
However, just three days later the State Department announced it was cancelling $130 million in Foreign Military Financing aid to Egypt on ‘human rights’ grounds.
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
The US Navy’s answer to a sixth-generation fighter has experienced a range of setbacks and delays to the programme, with only $47 million in this latest proposed budget set aside for completing the aircraft.
The UAE’s Edge Group has been positioning itself as a key defence and technology partner to Indonesia, where it has been focusing on naval platforms, UAVs and long-term industrial collaboration.
Connect with us on socials
