The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of Raytheon TOW 2A radio frequency missiles, support, and related equipment to Egypt. The sale is estimated at $691 million and will include 5,000 TOW 2As, spare parts, training of personnel as well as technical and logistical support.
The sale will give Egypt the much-needed support as the country fight terrorists, and help enhance security, especially along the border as the TOW 2As will aid in destroying fortified and armored targets. Egypt has obtained more than 20 000 TOW missiles in multiple variants over the years.
The TOW 2A RF version uses a ‘stealthy’ one-way radio link, replacing the older wire-guided system. It features a tandem warhead to defeat explosive reactive armor, bunkers, and fortifications among others. The TOW 2A RF can be fired from all TOW M220 launchers. Its range is 3.8 km and it can either be shoulder-fired or operated from platforms such as armored vehicles.
