French contractor Thales and Arab International Optronics (AIO) in Cairo have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening Egypt’s drive for technological independence and boosting local defense manufacturing.
The companies said the partnership builds on more than five decades of work in the country and will focus on developing “Made in Egypt” capabilities through a joint effort involving more than 800 engineers and specialists.
Training, Supply Chain
The plan centers on six areas, including a new Thales Academy in Egypt that will train military, government, and civilian personnel in optronics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, radio communications, and radar.
Thales experts will lead certified courses for the program in conjunction with Egyptian and French universities.
Weapon Works
The collaboration will also include upgrades for fire control systems on heavy armored vehicles, using AIO’s long-running experience in the field and Thales’ optical and sighting technologies.
Additionally, both sides will jointly develop a laser-guided rocket variant for AIO’s X29 remote weapon system.
Meanwhile, surveillance capabilities will be expanded through the supply of Thales ground radar and handheld thermal imagers integrated into a single command-and-control unit for rapid threat detection.
Service Center, Supply Chain
Part of the teaming is AIO’s hosting of a new service center to support the thermal imagers already deployed across Egypt’s armed forces.
The companies will also deepen supply chain cooperation by integrating AIO components into Thales production lines, a move they say will increase turnout and reinforce Egypt’s industrial base.
“With the reinforcement of this strong partnership with AIO, Thales in Egypt is proud to contribute to the technological sovereignty of Egypt,” said Sherif Barakat, CEO of Thales in Egypt.
“Both our companies are committed to transforming Egypt into a regional technology hub, capable of supporting and exporting high-value, locally produced solutions.”
