US approves Chinook sale to Egypt

Egypt has been cleared to buy the latest CH-47F Chinook helicopter, as fielded by the US Army and other international customers. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The United States has approved the sale of Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to Egypt, announcing a potential USD2.6 billion sale on 26 May.

The US Department of State approval covers the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 23 helicopters, as well as related equipment (including defence weapons and countermeasures), spares, training, and support

“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 US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. “The proposed sale will improve Egypt's heavy lift capability. Egypt will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats,” it added.

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) fields 19 CH-47D Chinooks, the first of which it received in 1999. These are operated by 18 Squadron of the Kom Awshim Tactical Helicopter Regiment at Kom Awshim, approximately 50 km south of Cairo.