The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt for the modernization of its Ezzat-class Ambassador IV fast attack craft. This contract, estimated at $625 million, will enhance the Egyptian Navy’s tactical capabilities, although the final dollar value will depend on actual requirements, budget authority, and signed agreements.
The Ezzat-class Ambassador IV fast attack craft is a missile boat used by the Egyptian Navy. The ships are designed to patrol, protect, and provide maritime security in the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
The modernization deal includes four COMBATSS-21 combat management systems, air and surface surveillance radars, chaff decoy systems, electro-optical/infrared sensor systems, electronic warfare systems, and navigation data distribution systems. Additionally, Egypt will receive communications intelligence systems, fire control radar systems, 76mm gun upgrades, and other logistics and program support elements.
The COMBATSS-21 is a modular and scalable combat management system, suitable for a variety of ship classes from patrol vessels to aircraft carriers. It is based on the Aegis combat management system and follows open architecture standards.
The US State Department’s approval supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a friendly nation, promoting political stability, and fostering economic growth in the Middle East.
The Ambassador IV class has undergone several improvements since its inception. Initially launched as the Ambassador III class in 1999, a development contract with VT Halter Marine in 2005 and an amended construction contract in 2008 led to its reclassification as the Ambassador IV.
The proposed sale will significantly boost the Egyptian Navy’s tactical and operational capabilities. Principal contractors for the sale include Lockheed Martin in Manassas, Virginia, and L3Harris in Northampton, Massachusetts.
This development continues the long-standing partnership between the US and Egypt, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Egyptian naval forces. Last year, the US approved a possible foreign military sale of 28-meter patrol craft kits and related equipment to Egypt, valued at $129 million. This sale included patrol craft kits, rigid hull inflatable boats, forward-looking infrared systems, computer packages, technical and logistics support services, transportation, spare parts, and other components.
In March 2023, the U.S. Navy transferred three 53-meter Cyclone-class patrol craft to the Egyptian Navy. The ships, USS Hurricane (PC 3), USS Sirocco (PC 6), and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), were decommissioned on March 20 after decades of service.
To further enhance its offshore patrol vessels, the Egyptian Navy last year chose Safran to equip 10 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) with advanced optronic and navigation systems. NVL Egypt, a joint venture between Lürssen and the Government of Egypt, selected Safran’s VIGY 4 optronic sights and Argonyx inertial navigation systems to bolster Egypt’s naval defense technology.
This modernization effort is a key part of the ongoing collaboration between the US and Egypt to strengthen the Egyptian Navy and ensure regional stability.
