DoD AGREESS SALE OF BAE SYSTEMS RECCE PODS TO EGYPT

25 Jul 02. The U.S. Defense Department said on Thursday that it had notified Congress that it plans to sell Egypt airborne reconnaissance systems valued at up to $70m.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms sales, said it had approved Egypt’s request to buy six Theater Airborne Reconnaissance System (TARS) pods built by BAE Systems of Syosset, New York, a unit of Britain’s BAE Systems Plc (London:BA.L – News).

The arms deal also included aircraft integration, ground station equipment, spare and repair parts, as well as personnel training, the agency said.

The proposed sale would contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by aiding a friendly country “which has been and continues to be a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”

The TARS would provide Egypt with under-the-weather, short range and daytime only capacity to collect images along its border areas, the agency said, describing the reconnaissance system as an entry-level, low technologysolution.

It said the system would be integrated on Egypt’s existing fleet of F-16 fighter jets, allowing the Middle Eastern country to provide support during operations and exercises by the U.S.-led coalition in the war on terrorism.

Congress has 30 days to block the sale, although that was considered highly unlikely, according to defense officials.