A second batch of excess MRAP vehicles from the United States has been delivered to Egypt. Pictured, MRAPs used by U.S. forces in Iraq. U.S. government photo

CAIRO, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- A second batch of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles from the United States has been received by Egypt under an Excess Defense Articles grant program.

Ahram Online reported the delivery was marked with a ceremony attended by the head of the vehicles department in Egypt's Defense Ministry, Gen. Khaled Roshdy, who said it was a powerful indication "of the depth of strategic relations and shared interests" between Egypt and the United States.


The exact number of vehicles delivered was not disclosed but in May an initial batch of 762 MRAPs were delivered at no cost to Egypt.

The vehicles were originally designed for U.S. military operations and provide enhanced levels of protection to soldiers.