U.S. Okays $691M TOW 2A RF Missile Sale to Egypt

The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of 5,070 TOW 2A Radio Frequency (RF) missiles as well as related support and equipment to Egypt for $691 million.

In an official release issued today, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Cairo requested to buy five thousand (5,000) TOW 2A RF missiles, BGM-71E-4B-RF; and seventy (70) TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) missiles, BGM-71E-4B-RF (Fly-to-Buy Lot Acceptance missiles).

The BGM-71 tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) weapon system is produced by Raytheon Systems. The weapon system is used in anti-armor, anti-bunker, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing roles. Wireless versions of the TOW-2A, TOW-2B and TOW-2B Aero have been developed that use a "stealthy" one-way radio link, identified with the suffix "RF". These missiles require no special alterations to the launcher, since the RF transmitter is encased along with the missile and uses the standard umbilical data connector.

The TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles can be fired from all TOW weapon system launchers – including the ITAS launcher, Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle (modified ITAS launcher) and Bradley Fighting Vehicles (improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem).