Biden approves $691M TOW missile sale to Egypt

WASHINGTON

The Biden administration notified Congress on Thursday that it has approved a prospective $691 million sale of anti-tank missiles to Egypt.

The sale, if it is finalized, would include 5,070 TOW 2A Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles, spare parts, tools, test equipment and training, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East," the agency said in a statement.

The sale will help Egypt replenish its existing stockpiles and the TOW missiles will be used for counter-terrorism operations and border security operations, according to DSCA.

The state of Arizona-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense will be the sale's primary contractor.

The notification to lawmakers sets off a 30-day legislative review period in which Congress can pass a joint resolution disapproving the sale, but it has never been able to successfully block a transaction, according to the Congressional Research Service.