2,000 TOWs for Egypt
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On Oct 29/07 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced [PDF] Egypt’s formal request for 2,000 TOW 2A anti-armor guided missiles. The TOW 2A is an improved version of the original Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided missile that’s designed for “bunker busting” attacks on fortifications, bunkers and urban structures. It can also defeat reactive armor if used against tanks et. al., and has a range of 3,750m. The order also includes 28 buy-to-fly missiles, which are test-fired to assure the recipient that the rest work fine. But since you fire ’em, you just bought ’em. Containers, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government (USG) and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support round out the request. The estimated cost is $99 million.
Egypt will use these TOW 2A missiles and launchers to augment its current TOW missile inventory and provide mechanized infantry and field artillery units with an anti-armor capability. The 2 U.S. Government representatives already in country, who currently manage the existing TOW 2A programs, will also manage this program. Raytheon Company in Tucson, AZ will be the prime contractor.
