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Updated October 2003
Missile Chronology
1994-1996
This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
11 March 1994
The Jerusalem Post publishes an overview of the Egyptian military, including its missile programs: According to Israeli analysts, Egypt is working with North Korea to improve the range and accuracy of the Scud-B. Egypt gave Scud-Bs to North Korea in 1981, which North Korea then reverse-engineered and enhanced into the Scud-C and -D, with ranges 600 and 1000km, respectively; these are available to Egypt. Author Herbert Krosney says Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm may still be helping to develop the Condor II missile [Note: Krosney has written several books on WMD threats in the Middle East]. He says "Egypt's goal is to create a self-sufficient production unit capable of producing, within Egypt, long-range missiles." Joseph S. Bermudez, an internationally recognized analyst, author and lecturer on North Korean defense and intelligence affairs, and currently a consultant to Jane's Intelligence Review, says Egypt's missile programs are lesser-known than other third world programs. He says the Egyptian resources that went into the Condor II have been transferred to the improved Scud-B. He says, "There's no evidence to suggest that Egypt has stopped its ballistic missile program....But there's no evidence that it has entered the production stage. It appears that Egypt wants to be able to produce the missiles on short notice, so it continues to acquire technology." He says Egypt will not rely solely on North Korean technology, because they believe it is too crude. "It does not appear that they will produce a Nodong or Scud-C, but a missile based on Condor II with western technology," he says.
— Steve Rodan, "The battle for parity," Jerusalem Post, 11 March 1994; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 April 1994
The Pentagon announces the potential sale of 32 Harpoon missiles to Egypt for $57 million.
— Susanne M. Schafer, "Congress told of F-15 sale to Israel," Associated Press, 11 April 1994; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
June 1994
US officials say Argentina and Egypt could restart their Condor-based missile programs anytime. According to their report, Egypt has developed the capability to make Scuds with help from North Korea and is developing the Vector 1200km-range missile, based on either the Scud or Condor program.
— Bill Gertz, "Scud's bigger brothers," Air Force Magazine, June 1994; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 May-1 June 1994
Egypt holds military exercises in which it uses its Al-Fatah missile to clear paths in minefields.
— "M1-A1 tank joins live exercises," Al-Ahram Weekly, 2 June 1994; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 July 1994
The Jerusalem Post reports that according to US intelligence officials, North Korea was involved in Egypt's Condor-based missile program in the late 1980s. The officials say Egypt may still be secretly working on the Condor-based program with North Korea. "There is a belief that North Korea has stepped in to replace Egypt's previous partners in the Condor," a US official says. "Together, Egypt and North Korea could be developing a missile that would not be as sophisticated as Condor but far more advanced than anything Pyongyang has today."
— Steve Rodan, "North Korea's leader: A shot in the dark," Jerusalem Post, 11 July 1994; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 August 1994
Aerospace Daily reports Egypt is buying 16 Harpoon missiles from McDonnell Douglas Corp. [Note: See 12 April 1994 entry.]
— "Navy," Aerospace Daily, 30 August 1994; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 February 1995
Israeli Likud leader Ariel Sharon writes in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharanot that "there are apparently also dangerous concessions to Egypt on the issue of Israel's deterrent strength, instead of demanding that it stop the massive arms buildup and manufacture of missiles."
— "All profits, no losses on any front in Cairo," Mideast Mirror, 3 February 1995; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 February 1995
Commentator and military analyst Danny Leshem writes in Israel's Yediot Aharanot, criticizing a recent intelligence report on Egypt. He writes, "There was, for example, no reference to Egypt's efforts in the field of developing and manufacturing long-range ballistic missiles...."
— "Agreement near on 11 industrial parks for the self-rule areas," Mideast Mirror, 27 February 1995; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
18 April 1995
Chief Editor Magdi Ahmed Hussein of the newspaper Al Shaab writes in an editorial that Egypt's lack of action to close the technology gap between Israel and Egypt represents a clear threat to Egyptian national security. Hussein writes that a wide missile technology gap between Israel and Egypt was demonstrated by Israel's recent launch of a satellite using a Jericho missile and Egypt's inability to react accordingly. Hussein notes that the Israeli missile, which can carry a satellite a distance of 6,000km, significantly outpaces any missile in Egypt's inventory.
— Magdi Ahmed Hussein, "The Dangers of the Israeli Satellite and the Irresolute Response," al-Shaab, 18 April 1995; in "Writer Laments Lack of Response to Israeli Satellite Program," FBIS Document FBIS-NES-95-085, 3 May 1995.
3 May 1995
Al Shaab reports that Egyptian missiles have ranges of 50 to 130km, although Israel has stated that Egypt has 300km-range missiles, possibly referring to modified Scuds.
— Magdi Ahmed Hussein, "Political Islam Review: Al Sha'b," Al Shaab, 18 April 1995.
June 1995
Rolf Ekeus, head of UNSCOM, meets with Egyptian officials about Egypt's past missile and chemical cooperation with Iraq.
— "UN's Ekeus investigates past weapons cooperation," Voice of Iraqi People, 7 June 1995; in FBIS Document FTS19950607000514, 7 June 1995.
25 September 1995
Flight International reports that Egypt plans to purchase tactical missiles, aircraft, and fighter-aircraft upgrades worth $246 million from the US Department of Defense.
— "Egyptian Weapons," Flight International, 25 September 1996, p. 4.
October 1995
Military Balance 1995-1996 reports that, according to the International Institute of Strategic Studies, Egypt possesses several Soviet-manufactured missiles: the 70km-range FROG-7 and the 300km-range Scud-B.
— International Institute of Strategic Studies, "Missile Proliferation," Military Balance 1995-1996, October 1995, pp. 281-285; in Lexis-Nexis,<http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1996
Egypt claims missile cooperation with North Korea ends.
— "Up to 300 N. Koreans in Egypt for Missile Program," World Tribune, 21 June 2001, <http://www.worldtribune.com>; "Up to 300 N. Koreans Aid Egypt's Missile Program," Middle East Newsline, Vol. 3, No. 242, 21 June 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com;> "Egypt May Have Acquired No Dong Technology," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, September 2001, p. 3.
31 January 1996
McDonnell Douglas Aerospace is awarded $17 million contract for the manufacture of Harpoon Launch Systems and spare parts for Foreign Military Sale (FMS). Egypt will receive 2 percent of the total contract.
— "McDonnell Douglas Aerospace," Department of Defense News Release, 31 January 1996; in Lexis-Nexis <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
March-April 1996
The Washington Times cites CIA sources in its report of North Korea's delivery to Egypt, between March and April 1996, of seven shiploads of equipment and materials for the production of Scud-C missiles, part of a 1980s licensing agreement between Egypt and North Korea. The Washington Times reports that the shipments include "steel sheets for Scuds and support equipment," but the Korean press describes the shipments as containing "rocket motors and guidance systems." Also, the Washington Times affirms that Egypt is using technology acquired while working on the Condor missile project in the 1980s to develop a new missile called Vector, with a possible range of 744 miles. According to the International Defense Review, North Korea also assists in the production of Scud-C TELs (Transporter-Erector-Launchers) and to "produce a variant with a greater range (450km) under Project T."
— Bill Gertz, "Cairo's Missile Buy Violates U.S. Laws; North Korea Sold Scuds, CIA Says," Washington Times, 21 June 1996, pp. A1, A22; Bill Gertz, "CIA Seeks Missile Data from Defector," Washington Times, 12 August 1997; Kim Chae Yong, "Puk 3-4 Wŏl Egypt'e Scud Missile Chaejoyong Mulcha Konggŭp," Taehan Maeil, 23 June 1996, <http://www.joins.com>; "Missile Chejoyong Mulchil Pukhan, Egypt'e Konggŭp," Joongang Ilbo, 22 June 1996, <http://www.joins.com>; "Ballistic Missile Threat Evolves," International Defense Review, Vol. 33, No. 10, 1 October 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
17 April 1996
Jane's Defence Weekly reports that Egypt is among the countries that use the SS-1 Scud B [Russian designation R-17]. The missile has a payload of 985kg and a range of 300km; Egypt also has Project T with a 985kg payload and 450km range.
— Duncan Lennox, "Ballistic Missile," Jane's Defence Weekly, 17 April 1996.
19 April 1996
Aerospace Daily reports Egypt is receiving installation and integration capabilities for Harpoon and GBU-15 weapons, and 40 SM-1 Standard missiles.
— "Pentagon Plans Nearly $2 billion in International Weapons Sales," Aerospace Daily, 19 April 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis>.
9 May 1996
Aerospace Daily reports that Egypt is receiving 10 percent of an $18 million modification for a previously awarded contract, for purchases of seeker test assemblies with related spares for a Harpoon Weapons Station manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. [Note: See January 31 1996 entry for previous contract]
— "McDonnell Douglas Aerospace," Aerospace Daily, 14 May 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
21 June 1996
The Washington Times writes that, according to a CIA report, North Korea has sent materials to Egypt for Scud-C production. This violates US laws and would trigger sanctions, US officials say. The United States has sent a diplomatic protest and US Secretary of State Warren Christopher will probably discuss the issue when he meets Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak next Wednesday. The deliveries have reportedly included steel sheets to make missiles plus support equipment; one shipment in April was so large that Egypt had to find a freighter large enough to handle it. United Press International reports that State Department analysts believe the evidence is "inconclusive at best," according to an aide to Secretary of State Christopher. State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns says Christopher will not raise the issue with Mubarak next week. Burns says, "The United States takes very seriously reports of transfers of items that might contribute to proliferation. We will look into this. If the facts warrant it, we will pursue sanctions." [Note: See March-April 1996 entry.]
— Bill Gertz, "Cairo's missile buy violates U.S. laws," Washington Times, 21 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Sid Balman Jr., "US probes Scud shipments to Egypt," United Press International, 21 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 June 1996
Referring to the recently exposed shipments of Scud materials from North Korea to Egypt, Israeli state television reports, "It is obvious that these surface-to-surface missiles will not be used against Libya or Sudan, but against Israel if the situation deteriorates." Israeli TV Channel 1 reports that North Korea transferred missile launchers from Eastern Europe. [Note: From Slovenia, according to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, to Egypt; see 21 June 1996 entry.]
— "Israel under threat from Egyptian Scuds: TV," Agence France Presse, 24 June 1996l in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Eldad Beck, "News in brief," Jerusalem Post, 25 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "Concern in Israel over Egyptian Scud missile deal," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 25 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 June 1996
Samir Ragab, chairman of the state-owned Al-Gomhouria newspaper, writes an editorial saying the United States revealed the "implausible" story about North Korean Scud parts shipments to prevent the Arab summit from being hosted in Egypt by sending a strong message to Israel on the Middle East peace process. He writes, "We do not deny that we have possessed Scud missiles since 1984. The range of these missiles is 300 kilometers, which is in accordance with the limits allowed by this agreement [the Missile Technology Control Regime]." Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy says, "Egypt must provide answers on this affair, which took place behind the back of the United States...." Levy says he will raise the matter with US Secretary of State Warren Christopher in a meeting today, the day before Christopher meets with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. [Note: See 21 June 1996 entry.]
— "Egyptian newspaper accuses US of fabrication," Xinhua News Agency, 25 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "Concern in Israel over Egyptian Scud missile deal," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 25 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "Israel demands answers from Egypt on reported missile buy," Agence France Presse, 25 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 June 1996
After Israel demands an explanation from Egypt regarding its acquisition of Scud-C missiles from North Korea, the Egyptian ambassador to Israel says, "The possession of missiles and modern weapons is a legitimate right of Egypt's to strengthen its defense capabilities and defend the gains of peace." He says he was "surprised by the Israeli reaction to this affair while the Jewish state possesses weapons of mass destruction and refuses to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty." Israeli analyst Danny Leshem writes in the Yediot Aharanot that Egypt's expected acquisition of enhanced Scud-C missiles will allow it to hit all of Israel from the Suez Canal area.
— "3 Israeli troops killed, 2 wounded in border ambush by guerillas," Houston Chronicle, 27 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.; "Netanyahu places blame for Jordan Valley attack on Syria and Iran," Mideast Mirror, 27 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 June 1996
Israeli Defense Minister General David Ivri meets with CIA Director John Deutsch in Paris to discuss Egypt's purchase of Scud missiles from North Korea.
— "U.S. and Israel discuss Korean sale of Scuds to Egypt," Armed Forces Newswire Service, 28 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 June 1996
Armed Forces Newswire Service reports that Israel has known for a long time about North Korean assistance to Egypt in the production of Scud-B missiles. Egypt has recently agreed to buy an unknown amount of mobile Scud launchers from North Korea, the report says. The trucks for the launchers were bought in Slovakia and modified in North Korea. [Note: Deutsche Presse-Agentur says "Slovenia."]
— "U.S. and Israel discuss Korean sale of Scuds to Egypt," Armed Forces Newswire Service, 28 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 June 1996
An editorial in Al-Ahram states that US and Israeli objections over Egypt's Scud-C missiles constitutes "unacceptable foreign interference" and that the missiles are necessary for Egypt's security. An editorial in Akhbar al-Yom states, "Uncle Sam has brought up the issue of the Scud missiles to wage a diplomatic and media war against Egypt to intimidate it and convince it not to embarrass the new Likud government in Israel."
— "Papers reject Washington's 'clamor' over Scud missiles," MENA, 29 June 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960629000239, 29 June 1996; "Egypt determined to boost military capability," Agence France Presse, 30 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 June 1996
Egyptian Defense Minister Mohammed Hussein Tantawi says of the Scud missile issue, "Peace is Egypt's strategic choice but continuing to develop our armed forces is the only way to dissuade those who plan to attack us. An improvement in our forces' combat capability is also the only way to convince our friends and enemies that we are ready to defend our national security."
— "Egypt determined to boost military capability," Agence France Presse, 30 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 June 1996
General Mohammad Abdel Hamid Shehata, head of the Egyptian Air Force, says Egypt is "currently reinforcing its potential with modern missile systems in order to face sophisticated offensive weapons such as ballistic missiles."
— "Egypt determined to boost military capability," Agence France Presse, 30 June 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
4 July 1996
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Musa says if the issue of missiles is to be discussed, one should include Israeli missiles. Musa says US Secretary of State Warren Christopher did discuss the issue of Scud missiles with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in their recent meeting, but it was not a main topic of the meeting.
— "Musa on peace, Scud missiles, other topics," MENA, 4 July 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960704000273, 4 July 1996.
7 July 1996
In an interview, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Musa says Israel should not protest Egypt's long-range missiles while Israel has nuclear weapons.
— "Musa on Palestinian Issue, Israel, Missiles," MENA, 7 July 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960707000141, 7 July 1996.
7 July 1996
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says that reports about Egypt's purchase of Scud missile parts from North Korea are part of a "campaign of incorrect and planned propaganda." He states, "Any time we move forward on our path, we undergo these sorts of campaigns whose authors have their own aims."
— "Mubarak rules out Egypt-Iran-Syria meeting," Agence France Presse, 7 July 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
23 July 1996
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says the "Jewish community" in the United States tried to use the Scud missile issue to embarrass Egypt. He says Egypt received a shipment of "spare parts" from North Korea for Scuds purchased from the Soviet Union in March 1973.
— John Lancaster, "Mubarak to Netanyahu: Help me, I'll help you," Washington Post, 23 July 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 July 1996
Arab Republic of Egypt Radio Network reports that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will discuss Egypt's view of weapons of mass destruction in his 30 July meeting with President Clinton because of the diplomatic uproar over Egypt's acquisition of Scud missile parts from North Korea.
— 'Abbas Mutawalli, "Radio suggests Mubarak to raise nuclear file in US talks," Arab Republic of Egypt Radio Network, 27 July 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960727000206, 27 July 1996.
30 July 1996
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns says Egypt has acknowledged receiving Scud parts from North Korea, but it remains to be determined whether Egypt broke US law or a treaty banning trade in missiles.
— Roy Gutman, "Mubarak: Israel must move quickly," Newsday, 30 July 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
6 August 1996
Al-Shaab reports that in his recent visit to the United States, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak rejected US objections to Egypt's possession of missiles. He said the missiles are in reaction to threats posed by Israel's weapons, and that Egypt has no weapons that threaten other countries.
— "Mubarak reportedly warned US against attacking Libya," Al-Shaab (Cairo), 6 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960806000635, 6 August 1996.
22 August 1996
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says, "The missiles we own have been with us since 1973; they are not new. If someone is thinking of asking Egypt to eliminate its missiles, then let this apply to all....The missiles we have comply with international laws....I absolutely cannot eliminate missiles owned by our armed forces unless there is an all-embracing plan to eliminate all weapons of mass destruction from the region." He says "this matter started after the US secretary of state visited Israel, after the formation of the new government. The Israeli foreign minister indeed said that they would raise the issue of the Scud missiles with the US secretary."
— "Mubarak Addresses Egyptian University Students, Professors," ESC Television (Cairo), 22 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960822000472, 22 August 1996.
October 1996
The Heritage Foundation publishes a report on worldwide military capabilities. It says Egypt can make Scud missiles, in part because of assistance provided by North Korea. The report says Egypt probably recently bought Scud-C missiles from North Korea with a range of 600 miles; also, Egypt is developing the Vector missile, based on either the Condor II or Scud.
— "Appendix: A military threat assessment," Heritage Foundation Reports, October 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
4 October 1996
Egyptian Field Marshal Muhammad Hussein Tantawi says, "Egypt has possessed Scud missiles for a long time and it is natural for us to constantly perform maintenance on them. Our possession of Scuds is in line with all international agreements and is part of our legitimate right to defend our territory, rights, and gains."
— "Defense minister discusses training, weapons, Scuds," MENA (Cairo), 4 October 1996; in FBIS
6 October 1996
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says of US and Israeli criticism of Egypt's acquisition of Scud missile parts: "There are cards in a political game called pressure cards. They will not frighten me or anger me....It is not natural to talk about missiles without talking about chemical weapons, especially since everyone says Israel has nuclear powers. We have to solve all these issues equally if we want peace."
— "Mubarak: Criticism of Egyptian-owned Scuds is a political game," Associated Press, 6 October 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
Second half of 1996
Egypt obtains Scud-related ballistic missile equipment from North Korea and Russia.
— Director of Central Intelligence, "The Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions," Biannual Report To Congress, July 1996 to December 1996.
1 July 1996
Armed Forces Newswire Service reports that following Egypt's fallout with Israel over its purchase of Scud missiles, Egypt says that it is resolved to increase its military capabilities in order to defend its national security.
— "Egypt Determined to Proceed with Scud Capability," Armed Forces Newswire Service, 1 July 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
4 July 1996
Pyongyang Sinmun reports that a Republic of Korea foreign ministry official said that the United States confirmed that Egypt bought North Korean Missiles through the North Korean Changgwang Sinyong Corporation.
— Pyongyang Sinmun, 4 July 1996; in Gulf 2000 <https//:www1.Columbia.edu>.
14 August 1996
Flight International reports that Egypt is contemplating the acquisition of S-300 PMU-1 anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) systems from Russia. According to sources in the Middle East, Egypt is seeking to increase both its ATBM and tactical ballistic missile capabilities. North Korea recently transferred Scud-B missile parts to Egypt to be assembled by "local missile company." Also, the United States has proposed selling Egypt updated Raytheon Hawk missiles.
— "Egypt Checks Up On Russian Anti-Missile," Flight International, 14 August 1996, p. 21.
Late 1996
North Korea repairs missile production facilities in Egypt that North Korea had provided, including special gyroscope-measuring equipment and pulse code modulation equipment, equipment too sophisticated to make Scuds, according to intelligence sources.
— Bill Gertz, "Defector Eyed for Missile Data," Washington Times, 27 August 1997, p. A1.
Late 1996
Swiss authorities intercept an illegal shipment of Scud ballistic missile parts en route to Egypt. According to Urs von Daeniken, Swiss federal police chief, the shipment was halted at the Zurich airport after federal police learned of its contents. The shipment was labeled as bulldozer parts but in fact contained parts for the Russian-made BM-21 rocket launcher used by Egyptian forces. It is believed to have come from an arms procurement agency in North Korea and to have been transshipped via China for export to Egypt. [Note: See 13 April 1998 entry.]
— "Egypt Seeks Answers on Swiss Scud Missile Transfer Story" Haaretz (Tel Aviv) 13 April 1998 <http://www3.haaretz.co.il>.
5 December 1996
The Defense Daily reports Egypt is receiving 6.4 percent of a contract for 24 Harpoon missiles and related Standoff Land Attack Missile hardware from McDonnell Douglas.
— "Defense Contracts," Defense Daily, 5 December 1996; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
This
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