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Egypt's missile programs influenced by the Soviet Union

Feb 11, 2026, 1:14 AM10
(Update: Feb 11, 2026, 1:14 AM)
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Egypt's missile programs influenced by the Soviet Union

  • Egypt pursued a national missile program influenced by the Soviet Union, focusing on liquid-fueled missiles.
  • Libya received 9K72E missile systems and sought modernization through collaboration with North Korea and Iran.
  • Algeria's acquisition of advanced missile systems positions it uniquely in Africa, while South Africa dismantled its missile program post-apartheid.
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Egypt was one of the few African nations to pursue an active national missile program after the fall of the Soviet Union. The development of such missile capabilities was primarily driven by military necessities rather than indigenous technology. Projects focused on liquid-fuel missiles, notably the Al-Kaher with a range of 600 km, and the 9K72E SCUD missile systems supplied by the Soviet Union beginning in 1971 underscored Egypt's aspirations. These systems were critical in equipping two missile brigades, reflecting both Egypt's strategic ambitions and the influence of foreign powers on its military capabilities. Simultaneously, Libya, under Muammar Gaddafi’s leadership, sought to modernize its military capabilities through substantial military aid from other countries. The 9K72E systems received by Libya in the 1970s, together with modernization efforts in collaboration with North Korea and Iran, showcased Libya's commitment to building formidable missile capabilities. As the strategic landscape of the region evolved, reliance on imported missile technology became a defining feature of military preparedness in North Africa. Algeria emerged as a standout nation in the 21st century, acquiring advanced missile systems like the Iskander from Russia. This acquisition is significant, as it marks Algeria as the only country in Africa with such capabilities. Moreover, the Chinese DF-12A systems added to Algeria's strategic depth, illustrating the growing importance of missile technology in maintaining regional power dynamics. In contrast, South Africa's trajectory varied significantly after it tested its initial ballistic missiles, the RSA-3, during the late 20th century. Following its transition into a democratic state in the early 1990s, the country officially disbanded its missile program and relinquished its nuclear arsenal, signaling a drastic shift in its military policy. The dismantling of this program highlighted the dichotomy present in the continent regarding military ambitions, where some nations pursued missile technology while others moved towards disarmament and non-proliferation. Overall, the evolution of missile capabilities in African nations largely stemmed from both internal pressures and external influences, marking a unique trajectory within the global landscape of military development.

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