The United States approved the sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Egypt for 4.7 billion

 

The United States has officially given the green light for the sale of a serious anti—aircraft "kit" to Egypt - worth almost $ 4.7 billion. The deal was approved by the State Department, and the details were announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Thursday. This is not just the delivery of a pair of missiles, but an entire air defense system that can seriously strengthen Egypt's ability to repel airstrikes and drone attacks.

The main "link" in this package is the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface—to-Air Missile System) system. This is a modern air defense system developed jointly by the United States and Norway, and it has already established itself as one of the most effective in its class. NASAMS does an excellent job with airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles and, most importantly, drones.

What exactly will Egypt get?  

- 4 AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars are the "eyes" of the system that catch targets at a great distance, even if they are flying low.  

- Hundreds of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles (their modified version is used against ground targets) — the main "tooth" of the system.  

- Dozens of launchers and control units — to make it all work as a single mechanism.

For Egypt, this is a step towards modernizing its air defense. The country is now facing threats from all sides, from drones in Libya to tensions in Sinai and East Africa. NASAMS will make it possible to intercept targets at medium and low altitudes, which is especially important in an environment where drones and smart missiles are becoming more dangerous.

And for the United States, this is not only a strengthening of the alliance with a key player in the Middle East, but also another major export contract. However, the deal has been approved so far, but not concluded — the final decision is for Cairo. But if Egypt confirms the request, then in a couple of years it will have one of the most modern anti-aircraft systems in the region.

Australia Showed Its Teeth: NASAMS System Passed The Fire Test

Australia did not let itself be offended at the latest Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, which took place from July 13 to August 4. They demonstrated their cool air defense system, NASAMS. This system, as it turned out, can shoot down almost anything that flies.: from airplanes to missiles, and at altitudes up to 15 kilometers. Its AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles are known for their precision, and they really don't miss.

NASAMS is already in service with the Australian forces, where it is served by the 16th Regiment of the Royal Artillery at Woodside Base. They have two such batteries that guard against anything that can come from the sky, from combat aircraft to drones and missiles.

At the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, the system proved itself one hundred percent. It worked successfully in real conditions, when the Australians trained together with the Americans and other allies. The exercises brought together more than 35,000 soldiers from 19 countries, which became a record event in the history of Australia. This highlights how important it is to work together now, especially on security and defense issues.

The successful launch of the AIM-120 AMRAAM from the NASAMS ground installation during the exercises showed that Australia is serious about protecting its skies. It has also strengthened its position as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Belgian government plans to purchase 10 NASAMS air defense batteries from the Norwegian company Kongsberg through the Netherlands.

 

The Belgian government has offered to purchase 10 NASAMS air defense batteries from the Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg through the mediation of the Netherlands. The total value of the transaction is estimated at about 2.5 billion euros. Each battery will include four launchers. NASAMS is a medium—range mobile anti-aircraft missile system developed jointly by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and the American Raytheon. The complex is designed to protect against various aerial threats, including airplanes, drones and cruise missiles, and is equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar and optoelectronic sensors. The deal is aimed at filling Belgium's air defense system deficit, which previously relied on F-16 fighter jets for air defense. The acquisition of NASAMS will strengthen the protection of strategically important facilities, including the port of Antwerp, and enhance the country's defense capability in the face of growing tensions in Europe. Similar systems are used in a number of countries, including Norway, the USA, Finland, Spain and Ukraine.  

Italy to deploy SAMP/T air defense system in Estonia at the end of 2025

The Foreign Ministers of Estonia and Italy confirmed in a joint statement that Italy plans to deploy its SAMP/T long-range ground-based air defense system in Estonia at the end of 2025. This step is part of efforts to strengthen Estonia's defense capabilities and enhance security in the Baltic Sea region.

Estonia is actively looking for partners for the rotational deployment of air defense systems on its territory. At the end of last year, Spain already sent its NASAMS system to the country, which significantly expanded Estonia's air defense capabilities.

The SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain) system is a modern long-range air defense system capable of effectively intercepting various aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft and drones.

The deployment of the Italian SAMP/T system in Estonia will strengthen the multi-level air defense system of the region and increase the readiness of NATO countries to repel possible threats.

Belgium plans to strengthen its air defense through the acquisition of ten NASAMS batteries as part of a large-scale military strategy

NASAMS

Belgium has announced plans to restore and modernize its ground-based air defense (air defense) capabilities through the purchase of ten Norwegian NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) batteries. This initiative is part of a massive 36 billion euro military investment strategy led by new Defense Minister Theo Franken.

The strategy is aimed at significantly strengthening the country's defense potential and preparing for new security challenges in the face of growing tensions in Europe. The acquisition of modern NASAMS air defense systems will allow Belgium to effectively counter aerial threats, including missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

This decision is being made against the backdrop of the upcoming NATO summit in June 2025 in The Hague, where a review of the guidelines on defense spending is expected. The alliance members plan to raise the target level of military budgets from the current 2% to 5% of GDP, reflecting the desire to strengthen collective security.

Defense Minister Theo Franken emphasized the importance of these investments to ensure national security and fulfill obligations to NATO allies. The restoration and modernization of air defense will become key elements of Belgium's defense policy in the coming years.