Egypt, China Launch Joint Military Drone Production
Egypt’s state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) and China’s North Industries Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly produce tactical unmanned aerial systems.
Under the agreement, Chinese components will be combined with AOI’s Aircraft Factory network, reflecting Egypt’s broader effort to modernize its defense sector and bolster its local supply chain.
AOI Chairman Maj. Gen. Mokhtar Abdel Latif highlighted the cooperation’s benefits for Egypt’s local production and its role in supporting future domestic manufacturing initiatives.
“We value the partnership with the Chinese company,” Business Insider Africa quoted Latif as saying.
“The cooperation includes localizing technology and increasing the share of local manufacturing for defense industry systems, benefiting from the advanced production capabilities of the Aircraft Factory.”
Hamza-2 Drone
Part of the signing is the launch of the Hamza-2, a combat drone equipped with guided munitions and based on Beijing’s homegrown ASN-209 platform.
The Hamza-2 will be deployed for reconnaissance and strike missions, reflecting an operational role beyond surveillance, according to sources.
Details on whether it will be included in the partnership, as well as initial production plans, including quantities and potential exports under the Egypt-China collaboration, have not been disclosed.
EDEX Opening, More Deals
The signing took place during the inauguration of the Egypt Defence Expo, or EDEX, in New Cairo, which featured President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and attracted more than 450 defense companies and delegations from over 100 countries.
At the convention, AOI also finalized agreements with the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Aviation Group and the UAE-Chinese firm Al-Qalaa Red Flag, covering joint manufacturing, sustainment, and export initiatives.
In parallel, Egypt expanded partnerships with France’s Dassault Aviation, including local production of Rafale fighter jet components, reinforcing Cairo’s role as a regional defense-industrial hub.
