Enhancing Egypt's Air Defense: The U.S. Approves $304 Million AN/TPS-78 Radar Sale

In a significant move to bolster Egypt's air defense capabilities, the U.S. State Department has approved a $304 million sale of Northrop Grumman's AN/TPS-78 long-range radar systems to Cairo. This decision underscores the ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Egypt, aiming to enhance regional security and address evolving aerial threats.

Key Components of the Sale

Egypt's request encompasses:

• AN/TPS-78 Radars: While the exact number remains unspecified, these advanced radar systems are central to the deal.
• Associated Equipment: This includes KIV-78 cryptographic devices, GPS units equipped with selective availability anti-spoofing modules, and a range of spare and repair parts to ensure sustained operational readiness.

Strategic Advantages for Egypt

The integration of the AN/TPS-78 radar systems is set to significantly enhance Egypt's defensive and strategic capabilities:

• Advanced Detection: The radar's sophisticated technology will improve Egypt's ability to identify and monitor various aerial threats, including high-speed and high-altitude targets.
• Seamless Integration: Given Egypt's existing array of radar systems, the AN/TPS-78 can be smoothly incorporated into the current defense infrastructure, ensuring a cohesive and fortified air surveillance network.

About the AN/TPS-78 Radar System

The AN/TPS-78 is a state-of-the-art S-band, 3D air surveillance radar renowned for its performance and reliability:

• Detection Range: Capable of tracking air and maritime targets up to 240 nautical miles (approximately 444 kilometers or 276 miles), it provides comprehensive situational awareness.
• Scan Rates: With both 10-second and 5-second scan options, the radar is adept at ground control intercept missions and long-range air surveillance, including the tracking of tactical ballistic missiles.
• Mobility: Designed for rapid deployment, the AN/TPS-78 can be transported via C-130 cargo planes, helicopters, trucks, and trains, ensuring flexibility in various operational scenarios.
• Antenna Specifications: The phased array antenna measures 2.5 meters in height and 5.5 meters in width, utilizing a stacked beam architecture and digital beamforming for precise target detection.

Broader Context of U.S.-Egypt Defense Relations

This radar sale approval follows a series of significant U.S. military equipment sales to Egypt:

• December 2024: The U.S. approved a substantial sale exceeding $5 billion, which included equipment for 555 U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tanks and over 2,000 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles.
• February 2025: In addition to the radar systems, the State Department approved the potential sale of Lockheed Martin's fast missile craft modernization, estimated at $625 million, further strengthening Egypt's naval capabilities.

These developments highlight the deepening defense ties between the U.S. and Egypt, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability and the enhancement of Egypt's military readiness.