Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Drones, electromagnetic rifles, and AI-powered navigation systems were among the cutting-edge products on display at one of Africa and the Middle East’s largest defense expos, as global defense firms vie for a foothold in regional markets increasingly shaped by drone warfare.
Cheap, precise, and lethal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have rapidly evolved during the war in Ukraine and have also transformed recent conflicts in Ethiopia, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. This surge in drone technology has created potentially lucrative opportunities for both industrial giants and emerging startups in a market where governments spend billions annually.
The biennial Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX), held from December 1 to 4 in the suburbs of Cairo, showcased visually striking and occasionally unconventional defense products. Uniformed delegations from countries as diverse as Kenya, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia toured booths representing companies from Russia, China, the United States, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Egypt Eyes Defense Hub Status
Egypt hopes to transform its state-supported military-industrial complex into a regional hub for defense manufacturing and export, bolstered by $1.3 billion in annual U.S. aid. EDEX organizers reported participation by over 450 exhibitors, putting it on par with South Africa’s Africa Aerospace and Defence expo, though still behind the Middle East’s largest defense event, Abu Dhabi’s IDEX.
Egypt’s state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s North Industries Corp (Norinco) to manufacture missile-equipped drones, while also agreeing with France’s Dassault Aviation to produce spare parts for Rafale fighter jets purchased by Cairo. Deal values were not disclosed, and neither company responded to requests for comment.
Amstone International Group, an Egyptian defense firm, signed contracts with at least three clients for its single-use, kamikaze-style “Jabbar” drones and is now targeting larger international markets. “It is a pride for all of us to have a product with this kind of power available globally,” said Mohammed Al-Sayed, a company consultant. According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, it was founded in 2014 and maintains partnerships with multiple African defense ministries.
Drone Technology Accelerated by Ukraine Conflict
Much of the equipment on display has been tested or inspired by the conflict in Ukraine, where rapid advances in drone technology and countermeasures have provided a “testing ground” for innovation. Stan Nowak, Vice President of Marketing at Red Cat Holdings, explained that the conflict in Ukraine has allowed drone technologies to develop “at an accelerated pace,” particularly in areas like electronic warfare and swarm tactics.
Red Cat currently supplies surveillance drones to the U.S. military and aims to expand to clients in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE. The company has also supplied drones to Kenya for wildlife protection efforts, including anti-poaching operations.
Latvian firm Eraser presented quadcopters supplied to Latvia’s Ministry of Defense and the “Drone Alliance,” a project supporting Ukraine. Project Manager Maris Mesvich noted that the EDEX visit marked the company’s first trip to Egypt to explore new markets.
Counter-Drone Systems and Emerging Threats
Demand for counter-drone systems is rising sharply, from vehicle-mounted jammers to laser-based weapons that appear straight out of science fiction. China Electronics Technology Group (CETC) showcased its “Sky Dome” system, designed to neutralize large drone swarms with layered interception technologies, including missiles, microwaves, and lasers.
South Korea’s Shinan displayed a handheld electromagnetic pulse rifle, while India’s Comlabs offered a drone-capture system that uses nets and optical sensors to safely neutralize hostile UAVs. CEO Karanvir Singh warned, “There have been cases where drones were repurposed for bombing… it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a serious problem here too.”
Meanwhile, some companies are developing solutions to overcome anti-drone defenses. Azerbaijani firm Sinablin demonstrated an AI-powered navigation system enabling drones to operate even under GPS jamming conditions. Engineer Ajil Balalov said African and Arab nations have shown strong interest, with plans to begin international production next year. “We have big hopes for Africa,” he added.
A Growing Market
With regional militaries increasingly prioritizing drone warfare and counter-drone capabilities, EDEX highlights the competition among global defense firms to capture a rapidly expanding market. From combat drones to advanced interception systems, the expo underscores the strategic and economic importance of UAV technology in Africa and the Middle East.
