The United States has authorized the sale of the AN/TPS-78 long-range radar system to Egypt, marking a $304 million investment in the country’s air defense capabilities. Facilitated through Northrop Grumman Corporation, the deal includes not only the radar but also cryptographic devices, secure GPS systems, spare parts, software, and comprehensive training for Egyptian military personnel.
This acquisition aims to enhance Egypt’s ability to detect aerial threats, such as hostile aircraft, missiles, or drones. With ongoing regional tensions, Cairo is focused on modernizing its air defense infrastructure to counter evolving security challenges. Egypt’s existing mix of radar systems from various suppliers will ease the integration of the AN/TPS-78 into its military operations.
From the U.S. perspective, the sale supports its strategic interests in the Middle East. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) noted that Egypt is a key partner for political stability and economic progress in the region. The agency also confirmed that the transaction will not disrupt the regional military balance or require additional U.S. military presence in Egypt.
The AN/TPS-78 Radar: Technical Details and Capabilities
The AN/TPS-78 is a mobile, long-range 3D radar system designed for air surveillance in challenging environments. Operating in the S band frequency (2.8 to 3.1 GHz), it can detect threats up to 240 nautical miles (approximately 444 kilometers) away. Its phased array antenna with digital beamforming improves target identification. The radar is transportable by C-130 aircraft or helicopter and can be operational within 30 minutes by a four-person team. It also automatically detects and tracks slow-moving air and maritime targets.
This sale is expected to bolster Egypt’s defence against current and future air threats without disrupting the military equilibrium in the Middle East.
Several nations, including the United States, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Australia, and Colombia, already use the AN/TPS-78 for air defense.
Broader Context of Egypt’s Military Upgrades
This sale continues a pattern of U.S. military support to Egypt. In 2022, the U.S. State Department approved potential sales of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft and three SPS-48 land-based radar systems to Egypt, totaling over $2.5 billion. The C-130J deal was valued at $2.2 billion, while the SPS-48 package was estimated at $355 million.
Over the past decade, Egypt has been upgrading its surveillance capabilities by acquiring advanced radar systems from multiple countries. In February, it received four Thales Ground Master 400 (GM400) AESA air defense radars from France, with a range of up to 515 kilometers. In 2017, Egypt also procured the 59N6E Protivnik-GE 3D early warning surveillance radar from Russia.
By diversifying its radar sources, Egypt seeks to strengthen its air defense network and ensure robust protection against potential threats.
The approval comes over a month after Cairo was approved for a sale of over $5 billion in military equipment by the US.
It included the sale of $4.69 billion in equipment for 555 US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks operated by Egypt and over 2,000 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles for about $630 million.
In September 2024, the US State Department said it was unconditionally releasing $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt, at a time when Cairo and Washington have been working closely on a Gaza ceasefire deal.
The announcement comes as Washington has relied heavily on Cairo – a longstanding U.S. ally – to mediate so far unsuccessful talks between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza.
Egypt’s total defence expenditure, including US foreign military aid, is projected at $5.2bn in 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 2.8% from 2020 to 2024, according to official data.
For approximately 35 years, the US has provided $1.3bn annually in foreign military aid to support the strategic US-Egypt relationship.
