US eyes missile sale worth up to $125 mln to Egypt

The Pentagon on Monday told U.S. lawmakers it was ready to sell Egypt up to 130 RIM-116B rolling airframe missiles and associated equipment built by Raytheon Co in a deal valued at up to $125 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed missile sale would give the Egyptian Navy and its fast missile craft (FMC) an effective defense against helicopters, anti-ship missiles, aircraft and small surface craft.

"This capability is critical for the FMC to effectively provide security in the approaches to the Suez Canal and the Egyptian littoral," said the agency, which oversees major arms deals with other countries.

Congress has 30 days to block the proposed sale, although such action is rare.

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