Vision Technology-Marine, the US affiliate of Singapore-based ST Engineering, has been awarded a provisional contract to supply three fast missile crafts (FMCs) to the Egyptian navy. The estimated $565 million deal is subject to approval from Congress. 'Egypt intends to purchase these ships to enhance its overall ability to defend its coastal areas and the approaches to the Suez Canal,' the US' Defence Security Co-operation Agency said in an 8 July statement.

Two further contracts have received initial approval under the military support programme, including an estimated $108 million upgrade of three CH-47C Chinook medium-lift helicopters. The prime contractor, the US' Boeing Helicopter Company, will also be responsible for the supply of related aircraft equipment, training and technical support services.

A third contract has been awarded to the US' Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Companyfor the supply of three C-130H aircraft as well as associated equipment and technical support services. The deal, which also awaits federal government approval, is worth an estimated $94 million if all options are exercised.

A request for proposals (RFP) has also been issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for an estimated $5 million contract to operate and maintain an ammunition facility at El-Haikstep, at the existing military township to the northeast of Cairo. Proposals, which are requested from joint ventures of US and local companies, are due to be submitted by 3 August. The Western Ammunition Workshop has been expanded in recent years under a contract awarded in 2001 to the local Industrial Construction & Engineering Company (SIAC - MEED 20:10:00).