US plans military aircraft sale to Egypt

WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (Reuters) The US Defense Department said today it was ready to sell two excess E-2C Airborne Early Warning Command and Control Aircraft to Egypt in a deal valued at up to 75 million dollars.

The Pentagon's Defense Security and Cooperation Agency told US lawmakers the deal would help Egypt strengthen its airborne early warning surveillance and improve fleet communications.

Congress now has 30 days to block the sale, although such action is rare.

Northrop Grumman Corp will be the prime contractor for the sale, which includes the two E-2C aircraft, spare engines, support equipment, as well as spare parts.

Reuters AK VP0250