Rewritten – May 2001

1. Romeo Class Submarines: On 14 February 2000, the Egyptian Government signed a US$15M contract with Kollmorgen for four submarine optronic systems (similar to the Kollmorgen Model 86). The periscopes will be back-fitted into the four Improved Romeo class submarines. Deliveries commenced in January 2001, with the last scheduled for January 2002.

2. Ramadan Class Fast Attack Craft (FAC): In November 2000, Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) signed a multi-million dollar contract with the Egyptian Government for upgrades to the Matra BAe Dynamics Alenia (MBDA) Otomat Mk 1 surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs), and upgrades to sensor and fire control systems on four Ramadan class FAC. Major modifications include:

· Upgrade of the MBDA Otomat Mk 1 to Mk 2 standards, including: fitting new seekers, charge sustainers and boosters to improve range by 30 – 50km, and introduction of Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.

· Upgrades to the Marconi S820 surveillance radar.

· Upgrades to the ST802 tracking radar.

· Installation of the color tactical displays.

Upgrades on the four units are expected to be complete by 2005. The first two units of the class received similar modifications by the end of 1999.

3. Knox Class Frigates: In 1997-1998, Egypt’s two Knox class frigates, Damyat and Rasheed, conducted Extended Ship Restricted Availabilities (ESRAs) at Alexandria that included boiler repairs. The Knox transfer program involved extensive shipyard upgrades to make Alexandria self-sufficient in Knox class maintenance. The Knox class is powered by two 1200-psi boilers that require regular maintenance to ensure a safe-to-steam capability. As of mid-2001, the Egyptian Navy (EN) is planning for additional upgrades to include:

· Procurement of a system to allow for local creation and editing of the Raytheon AN/SLQ-32 V (2) electronic support measures (ESM) threat library.

· Upgrade of the current Boeing Harpoon SSMs to the UGM-84 Block II standard.

· Raytheon Systems Mk 15 20mm close-in-weapons system (CIWS) overhaul/refurbishment (will be complete by December 2001).

Funding for the upgrades will be through a US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

4. Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates: Four frigates were transferred to the EN under the US excess defense articles (EDA) program. The first two units were transferred in 1997, followed by two additional units in 1999. Since reception, the EN has been planning for upgrades including:

· Procurement of a system to allow for local creation and editing of the Raytheon AN/SLQ-32 V (2) electronic support measures (ESM) threat library.

· Procurement of the Raytheon SM-1 Block II Standard surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.

· Upgrade of the current Boeing Harpoon SSMs to the UGM-84 Block II standard.

· Raytheon Systems Mk 15 20mm CIWS overhaul/refurbishment (will be complete by December 2001).

Funding for the upgrades will be though the US FMS program.