Nine patrol boats made in Germany for Saudi Arabia go to the Egyptian fleet

By Boyko Nikolov On Nov 11, 2020

BERLIN, (BM) – Egypt will pay approximately 130m euros for nine patrol boats that were built for Saudi Arabia by German shipyard Lursen, learned BulgarianMilitary.com, citing the website boerse.de, which announced the news earlier this month. This information was also confirmed by the German government through an official letter from the Minister of Economy Peter Altmeier, which he sent to the German Parliament.

The reason for this “strange” relocation of the manufactured military patrol boats is the decision taken by the German parliament to ban the export of German-made weapons to Riyadh. We remind you that back in 2013, Germany and Saudi Arabia signed a deal for the production and sale of these patrol boats. Saudi Arabia then agreed to pay approximately 1.8 billion euros for these boats, and so far Germany has delivered to Riyadh 15 of the 35 ordered. But in 2018, Germany banned the supply of weapons to the Saudis.

Specifically, the transaction between the two countries [Germany and Saudi Arabia – ed.] Involved the production and delivery of two main types of patrol vessels – TNC 35 and FPB 38. TNC 35, which first left the production facilities at the German shipyard, was delivered to the Arab state at the end of 2016.

Egypt is expanding its naval arsenal with another German submarine

The German government has agreed to provide Egypt with another German-built submarine, as we reported in July this year. The case is considered controversial because of the violation of human rights by the Egyptian authorities and their participation in regional armed conflicts.

At the request of the manufacturer, which is the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems shipbuilding group, the Federal Security Council issued a “final decision on approval,” said Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier in the Bundestag Economy Committee.

The permit concerns the fourth export submarine of the type 209 / 1400 mod already intended for Egypt and, thus, the full implementation of the contract, the conclusion of which the Egyptian side confirmed back in 2012. During his visit to Egypt last year, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called this country an “important partner” in ensuring the region’s stability.

The third ship built was handed over to the recipient in Kiel in April of this year, two previously manufactured ones were put into operation in 2017. In Israel, fears were expressed that supplies would strengthen Egypt’s military stance with regional partners, but last year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to the sale in 2014.

The structure that approves the export contracts for the armament of German companies of the Federal Security Council includes the German Chancellor, the head of the Chancellor and six ministers of foreign affairs, defense, finance, internal affairs, justice and economics.

Egypt pays $554M to material and labor services in support its Navy ships

As we noted last year the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt of Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) for various ships for an estimated cost of $554 million. The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale of Follow on Technical Support (FOTS) that provides for material and labor services in support of Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates (FFG-7 class ships), Fast Missile Craft (FMC), Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC) ships, Coastal Mine Hunter (CMH) ships, and 25 Meter and 28 Meter Fast Patrol Craft (FPC).

The proposed sale is essential to maintain Egypt’s national security, regional stability, and the free flow of worldwide commerce via the Suez Canal. Egypt intends to use this technical maintenance and service support to ensure the Egyptian Navy is operationally capable of providing coastal defense and security.

The proposed sale will increase the Egyptian Navy’s material and operational readiness. Egypt will have no difficulties absorbing this support into its armed forces. The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor for Engineering Services Support will be VSE Corporation and U.S. Government activities will provide FOTS for Egypt.

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BulgarianMilitary.com
Editorial team