The Egyptian government has requested ten Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States in a deal worth an estimated $1 billion. The US State Department approved the possible foreign military sale on 27 November, 2018, but it still has to be approved by Congress.
The proposed sale includes 24 GE Aviation T700-GE-701D engines, 12 Modernised Target Acquisition Designation Sights/ Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 135 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 12 AAR- 57(V) common missile warning systems, communications and countermeasures equipment.
The Egyptian Air Force already has 46 AH-64D Apaches in service with two attack helicopter brigades. The US State Department said the additional Apaches would address US-Egyptian interests in countering terrorist activities emanating from the Sinai Peninsula that undermine regional stability.
Egypt has apparently been unhappy with the avionics and hot weather performance of the Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopters it is currently taking into service. So far, 34 out of 46 Ka-52s have been delivered from Russia.
Egypt acquired the Russian helicopters as part of an initiative to diversify its military procurement following a 2013-2014 freeze in weapons deliveries from the United States triggered by the military coup.
