power generation systems, and various other surveillance and communications systems. In addition, Egypt has been modernizing its power projection capabilities at sea thanks to the procurement of two Italian built FREMM-class frigates (Al-Galala class) from Fincantieri, six TKMS MEKO-A200 light frigates (Al-Aziz class, three of which delivered), four TKMS Type-209 diesel-electric submarines, and 24 Leonardo AW-149M utility helicopters intended for naval operations. These purchases follow a first batch of modernization that included two Nasser-class (Mistral-class) LHDs, one French built FREMM-class frigate (Tahya Misr), and four Naval Group El-Fateh class (Gowind-2500 type) multipurpose corvettes, the last of which has been launched at Alexandria Shipyard in May 2020. A third batch of naval programmes may follow, with further light frigates and corvettes, a second batch of submarines (a class of smaller, 800-1,000t boats is under evaluation) and further maritime surveillance assets. Egypt would also be interested in coastal batteries and air defence systems to replace legacy ageing systems. As first step, Egypt has asked for three SPS-48 land-based air defence radar systems and related equipment, and support, at a total estimated cost of $355 million, to be provided by L3Harris Surveillance Systems. Recent modernizations programmes also include a second batch of 30 Dassault Rafale omni role fighter, signed in 2021 and under implementation and that follows a first batch of 24 ordered in 2015. In 2022, Egypt also signed with the US a large $2.6 billion contract for 23 Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and related equipment and another $2.2 billion contract for twelve Lockheed-Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft and related equipment. In the land sector, the most impressive foreign procurement programme in 2022 was the $1.66-billion contract for an undisclosed number of Hanwha Defense K9-series self-propelled howitzers (SPH) and support vehicles from South Korea, marking the first order from an African country for the 155mm/52-calibre tracked artillery system. For its army, Egypt also placed an order for of a lot of 5,000 BGM-71 TOW2A anti-tank missiles from the US with an estimated price tag of $691 million. Pipeline). Subsequently, the reduction in production along with the raise of domestic demand transformed Egypt in a net importer. Therefore, the discovery of Zohr marked the beginning of the country‘s economic recovery. Cairo resumed regular gas exports in 2019, using the existing infrastructure of liquefaction terminals. The country also aspires to become a gas hub, centralising export flows from Israel and Cyprus. However, the country continues being at risks of terrorist attacks to energy installations by Islamist groups, present in the Sinai Peninsula (the region through which the EMG gas pipeline transits). The protection of energy resources and the related potential for Egyptian role in the Mediterranean, Egypt is developing considerable maritime surveillance capabilities to boost its situational awareness in defence of its maritime boundary, natural resources, and ports. One of the most significant contracts in this sense was signed in October 2020 with Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC), under a Foreign Military Sales arrangement with the U.S. of an estimated value of $417 million (€354 million). The agreement included the procurement of multi-site acquisition radars (fixed and mobile) with supporting facilities, fixed, mobile and airborne EO/IR systems, radio suites, hybrid Marco Giulio Barone is Editor-in-Chief of Military Technology. Nations in Focus: Greece MT 2/2023 · 33 Ships and aircraft participating to the Quad-EUnomia 2020 aeronaval exercise in East Mediterranean. It has been organized as part of the Quadripartite Initiative amongst Republic of Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and France to highlight their commitment the respect of international maritime law in the region. (Photo: État-major des Armées Français) h Egyptian Rafales in flight. The country has recently celebrated its 10,000 flight hours on the French fighter. (Photo: Dassault Aviation) f Italian ship SAIPEM 7000, the world‘s third largest semi-submersible crane vessel, belonging to oil and gas company SAIPEM has been working off the coast of Cyprus, often under pressure of Turkish naval activities aimed at disrupting its works. (Photo: SAIPEM)
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