New missile ships bound for Egypt leave Pensacola

Two new fast missile craft destined for the Egyptian Navy were loaded onto a civilian transport ship Sunday on Pensacola Bay.

Although Pensacola Naval Air Station officials declined to comment, a News Journal photographer took photos of one of the Ambassador III class vessels being prepared for transport.

According to an article last year in Defense News, Egypt has purchased four of the fast missile craft made by VT Halter Marine's shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. The military specialty publication reported that the stealthy, 700-ton ships are armed with Harpoon missiles, among other weapons.

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