US will sell F-15 aircraft to Egypt, says general

The United States will sell F-15 fighters to Egypt, an American general told Congress on Tuesday, despite concerns in Washington about the human rights situation in that country.

“In the case of Egypt, I think we have good news, in that we are going to provide them with F-15 (fighters), which has been a long and difficult job,” the head of US forces in the Middle East, Frank McKenzie, told a committee of the Senate.

The official did not give details about the sale and the State Department, which must approve it, has yet to officially report to Congress.

“We don't talk about possible arms transfers or arms sales until they have been notified to Congress,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price.

In January, the United States had announced the approval of two major sales of military equipment to Egypt, including air transport and radar systems.

Last year, the State Department suspended $130 million in military aid to Egypt due to the human rights situation in that country and several lawmakers urged President Joe Biden to suspend sales and military aid to Cairo until the balance sheet improved.

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