US approves $5B arms sale to Egypt and $571M for Taiwan
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The US has approved a $5 billion arms sale to Egypt, including Abrams tank upgrades, and $571 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, as confirmed by the Pentagon and the White House.
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The Department of Defense seal is seen on the podium in the Press Briefing room at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 in Washington, US. (AP)
The US State Department has given the green light for the potential sale of over $5 billion in arms to Egypt, the Pentagon announced on Friday. The majority of the sale, valued at $4.69 billion, will be used for the refurbishment, support, and equipment related to Abrams tanks, with General Dynamics Land Systems serving as the contractor.
Additionally, the Pentagon outlined other potential sales, including Hellfire missiles worth $630 million and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System for $30 million.
In a separate move, US President Joe Biden approved $571.3 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, the White House confirmed on Friday. The White House announced, as cited by Reuters, that Biden had delegated to the secretary of state the authority "to direct the drawdown of up to $571.3 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan."
This comes after the US also approved a $385 million worth of military sale to Taiwan.
China sanctions 13 US defense firms over Taiwan arms deal
Earlier this month, China has imposed sanctions on over a dozen US defense firms and several American defense industry executives in response to the Biden administration's recent approval of a $387 million arms package for Taiwan.
The US package reportedly includes spare parts for fighter jets, missile systems, and other military equipment essential for maintaining Taiwan's defense capabilities.
The news sparked sharp criticism from Beijing, which considers the island an integral part of its territory.
In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry accused the US of "seriously damaging China's sovereignty and territorial integrity" through its continued arms sales to Taiwan.
The sanctions target 13 US companies, including drone manufacturers RapidFlight and BRINC Drones, as well as six individuals, such as Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, and Blake Resnick, the founder and CEO of BRINC Drones.
