Battle-tested Stinger missile expected to boost Egypt's air defenses

Egypt will use the Avenger system, seen here on June 30, 2014, as a launchpad for Stinger missiles. [Egyptian Army]

Egypt's anticipated purchase of Stinger missiles from the United States will boost the Middle Eastern country's air defenses, experts told Citadel.

The pending sale also underscores the security and strategic partnership between the two nations and signals the US commitment to preserve Egypt's security and protect it against challenges and threats, they said.

The new military deal affirms "the lasting strategic relationship and defense cooperation and a US commitment to stability and security in Egypt," Cairo University international relations professor Mohieddine Ghanem said.

It also reflects US confidence in Egypt's current and future role in consolidating regional security by working to bring conflict to an end or limit its scope, he told Citadel.

A US soldier loads the Avenger system with Stinger missiles, used in air defense, on May 7, 2020. [US Department of Defense]

The conclusion of such a deal signals "the importance of the relationship between the two countries and serves as a reminder of the strong partnership that is being developed to strengthen it in all areas and all aspects," he added.

Battle-tested missile

The Stinger missile "is one of the best and most accurate surface-to-air defensive missiles and has proven its effectiveness more than once in conflict," military analyst Yahya Mohammed Ali told Citadel.

The US-Egypt deal includes 720 missiles with related logistics and program support, "including maintenance and various parts in addition to providing advice and training," he said.

"The missile is one of the smartest and most flexible missiles, and is characterized by its speed that exceeds the speed of sound, and its accuracy and ease of programming and guidance," Ali said.

It is equipped with a highly explosive warhead, has a maximum range of 5,000 meters and can reach a maximum altitude of 4,800 meters, he noted.

"The Stinger missile can either be launched by soldiers using a shoulder-launcher or it can be launched with the Avenger combat system," he said.

Egypt will use both methods, he said, "with a quantitative advantage in favor of the Avenger system, which consists of a dual launch platform with four for each group, in addition to a machine gun for emergency and close combat situations."