US approves potential $740 Million Stinger missile sale to Egypt.

On September 24, 2024, the US Department of State approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt for Stinger missiles and related logistical and program support, with an estimated total cost of $740 million. Egypt intends to integrate the Stinger missiles with its current AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense systems, enhancing its ability to counter low-altitude aerial threats.
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Egypt intends to integrate the Stinger missiles with its current AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense systems, enhancing its ability to counter low-altitude aerial threats. (Picture source: US DoD)

Egypt has requested to purchase 720 Stinger surface-to-air missiles intended for vehicle-based deployment on its existing Avenger air defense systems. The request also includes 20 Product Verification Flight Test (PVFT) munitions. In addition to the missiles, the proposed sale encompasses non-Major Defense Equipment items such as spare and repair parts, testing equipment, and engineering, technical, and logistics support services provided by both U.S. government personnel and contractors.

The FIM-92 Stinger is an American man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) that utilizes an infrared homing surface-to-air missile. In service since 1981, it is designed to engage low-altitude airborne targets, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The missile can be adapted for launch from various platforms, such as ground vehicles, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems.

The Stinger missile weighs approximately 22 pounds (10.1 kg) and measures 5 feet (1.53 meters) in length, with a diameter of 2.8 inches (70 mm). When equipped with its launch tube and sight, the total system weight is about 35 pounds (15.7 kg). The missile has an effective firing range of up to 3 miles (4.83 km) and can reach speeds of Mach 2.2, which is roughly 1,500 miles per hour (2,440 feet per second). It employs a passive infrared seeker for guidance, homing in on the heat signatures emitted by target aircraft.

Several variants of the Stinger missile exist, including the FIM-92A Stinger Basic, the FIM-92B Stinger-Passive Optical Seeker Technique (POST), and the FIM-92C Stinger-Reprogrammable Microprocessor (RMP). These versions have incorporated enhancements such as improved resistance to countermeasures and the ability to update the missile's software to respond to evolving threats.

The Stinger has been utilized by the United States and 29 other countries and has seen deployment in various conflicts, such as the Falklands War, the Soviet–Afghan War, the Gulf War, and the Russo-Ukrainian War. Its adaptability allows it to be fired from multiple platforms, such as ground vehicles, helicopters, and even drones.