Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
HAVELSAN, a leading Turkish defense technology company, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) to jointly produce autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This move marks a significant step in expanding bilateral defense ties and strengthening regional defense manufacturing capabilities.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will cooperate in the assembly and co-production of autonomous UAVs tailored for Egypt and the broader African market. The collaboration aims to deliver cost-effective, high-performance UAV solutions that align with local and regional defense needs.
Strengthening Regional Capabilities
Speaking at the signing ceremony, HAVELSAN CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“We are very pleased to work alongside such a strong partner as AOI. This partnership will introduce autonomous UAV technologies to the region, enhance local production capacity, and enable us to enter the African market with strength. As a global brand and a strong player delivering reliable, effective, and innovative solutions, we will continue to develop advanced technologies and create added value for regional markets.”
Chairman of the AOI, Mokhtar Abdel Latif, emphasized the broader significance of the deal, noting:
“This cooperation is not only about production; it is also a major step towards technological independence and sustainable exports. HAVELSAN’s technological expertise, combined with AOI’s manufacturing capabilities, will support Egypt’s defense and technology vision.”
Proven Technology and Market Expansion
HAVELSAN brings to the partnership its extensive experience in autonomous technologies and UAV systems, including its BAHA, BULUT, and BOZBEY sub-cloud UAVs. These systems have already demonstrated reliability and performance, positioning HAVELSAN as a competitive player in international UAV markets.
By joining forces with AOI—Egypt’s leading state-owned industrial body—HAVELSAN will gain a foothold in the growing African defense market. The partnership also supports Egypt’s ambitions for defense industrial localization and export expansion.
Strategic Impact
The cooperation is expected to:
- Boost Egypt’s autonomous aerial capabilities.
- Enhance defense technology transfer between Turkey and Egypt.
- Increase UAV production capacity for export across Africa.
- Support the development of a self-reliant regional defense industry.
The agreement reflects a broader trend of Turkish defense companies expanding partnerships across Africa and the Middle East, and it highlights a warming in Turkish-Egyptian industrial ties after years of strained relations.
With this collaboration, HAVELSAN reinforces its role as a key supplier of innovative defense technologies and establishes a strategic production base to serve markets across the continent.
