The United States has confirmed it is to withhold deliveries of tanks, helicopters and fighter aircraft as well as cash from Egypt’s military-backed government.

The decision will slash the US’s annual $1.3bn aid package to Egypt with only education and health projects continuing to receive support.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, implied the Obama administration had been considering its position for some time regarding Cairo’s stance on democracy: “The president was also clear, and has been clear, that we are not able to continue with business as usual, and as you know, we have already announced that we are not proceeding with the delivery of certain military systems.”

Washington’s unease has grown since the ousting of democratically elected President Mohammed Mursi and the subsequent violent crackdown on his supporters.

Hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood members were killed by security forces in the weeks after Mursi was forcibly removed from office.

Egypt’s military-backed government is to put him on trial next month.