Military industry of Egypt

Temsah 2, an MRAP produced by Kader for Developed Industries

The military industry of Egypt produces defense and security equipment for the Egyptian Armed Forces and exports various products abroad. Egypt has co-production agreements with several countries, including the United States, France,[1][2] Germany, Russia, China and South Korea.

Egypt has long invested in the development of its domestic defense industry, producing a wide range of military equipment, including small arms, ammunitions, armored vehicles, drones, naval vessels, electronic equipment, tanks, and missiles. Over the decades, Egypt has fostered partnerships with global defense manufacturers, working with countries such as the United States, Russia, China, South Africa, France, the United Kingdom, and Finland to develop and produce advanced weaponry, including tank guns, howitzers, anti-aircraft mortar shells, communications equipment, and optics.[3]

## Overview

[edit]

ST-100, a multi-mission armoured personnel carrier developed by IMUT

Egypt's defense sector serves the dual purpose of ensuring self-sufficiency and securing military readiness, with a focus on sustaining an armed force of up to 1.2 million personnel in times of mobilization.[4]

The Ministry of Military Production oversees a vast network of military factories and companies,[5] including Abu Zaabal Specialized Industries, which produces ammunition and small arms, and Abu Zaabal Engineering Industries, which manufactures artillery systems and shells. Additionally, the Armoured Production and Repair Factory assembles and maintains armored vehicles such as the M1A1 Abrams and K9A1EGY, alongside developing indigenous platforms like the RAAD 200 and Sinai 200. In the electronics sector, the Thales & Benha Electronics S.A.E. joint venture, formed between France’s Thales Group and Benha Electronics, specializes in co-producing advanced communication and signaling systems, while also engaging in research, development, and training.[6]

LR 155 GPK, a guided air-to-surface missile developed by Robotics Engineering SystemsEagle 1, a remote controlled weapon station developed by Arab International Optronics

Meanwhile, the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), a major state-owned defense conglomerate, oversees multiple enterprises across aerospace, electronics, vehicles, and armaments. It owns Kader for Developed Industries, which designs and manufactures armored vehicles, and Sakr for Developed Industries, a producer of missiles and rockets. AOI also operates joint ventures like Arab British Dynamics Co., which specializes in guided weaponry, and Arab American Vehicles Co., which assembles military and civilian vehicles.[7] AOI has a longstanding history in aircraft production, with facilities in Helwan producing licensed light combat and trainer aircraft, such as the Alpha Jet and K-8E, which it now seeks to replace with the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle.[8]

RAAD 200, a 122 mm multiple rocket launcher developed by the Armoured Production and Repair Factory

Naval defense production is spearheaded by the Alexandria Shipyard, which specializes in constructing frigates, corvettes, and patrol boats.[9] The shipyard has partnered with France’s Naval Group to produce Gowind 2500 corvettes[10] and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to locally manufacture MEKO A200 frigates for the Egyptian Navy.[11]

Egypt’s defense industry has also seen the emergence of private sector players. Robotics Engineering Systems focuses on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including combat drones, surveillance systems, and smart munitions such as high-precision glide bombs and guided missiles with multi-mode guidance.[12] Amstone, another Egyptian private defense company, specializes in fifth-generation defense technologies, particularly in naval and aerial unmanned systems.[13]

## History

[edit]

Egypt's military industry dates back to the early 19th century under Muhammad Ali, who established an industrial base primarily to support the development of a modern military. His efforts were concentrated on weapons production, with factories in Cairo manufacturing muskets and cannons. Additionally, he constructed a shipyard in Alexandria to build a domestic navy. By the late 1830s, Egypt's military industries had produced nine 100-gun warships and were manufacturing 1,600 muskets per month.[14]

Near the end of World War II, Egypt came into possession of a large quantity and variety of armaments left behind by Nazi Germany,[15] including large stockpiles of 8mm Mauser ammunition that had been manufactured by several Axis countries. The Egyptian government decided to manufacture a semi-automatic battle rifle and purchased the tooling and plans for the Swedish Automatgevär m/42 (Ag m/42) rifle, and re-engineered it to use the 8mm Mauser cartridges and a gas adjustment valve. The resulting Hakim Rifle was manufactured and fielded from the early 1950s until c. 1961. Egypt also briefly manufactured another re-engineered Ag ms/42, chambered for the 7.62×39mm Soviet cartridge, called the Rasheed Carbine. These guns were replaced in the 1960s by the Maadi AK-47, a licensed copy of the AK-47.

An Egyptian Al Kaher-3 missile.

Egypt’s modern defense industry took shape under President Gamal Abdel Nasser in the 1950s and 1960s, as he spearheaded its most formative developments amid geopolitical conflict with Israel and the broader push for economic nationalism and import-substituting industrialization. Nasser’s government sought to create a self-sufficient military-industrial base, reducing reliance on foreign arms suppliers while strengthening Egypt’s economic and strategic position.[16]

During the late 1950s, Egypt built the Jabal Hamzah ballistic missile test and launch facility to test-fire and to experiment with the domestically built Al Zafir and Al Kaher SRBMs.[17]

The country's defense industry evolved significantly over the years. In the 1980s, Egypt primarily produced small and medium weapons, often under foreign licenses. By the 1990s, it had entered the heavy weapons sector, manufacturing tanks and howitzers. After 2000, Egypt advanced into weapons system design, producing indigenous military hardware and improving existing systems through domestic innovation.[18] In 2008, Egypt’s military production was valued at 3.8 billion Egyptian pounds ($717 million), marking a 20% increase over the previous year.[19] The country has maintained long-standing collaborations with Spain and Germany, dating back to the mid-20th century, and continues to procure arms and equipment from the United States and Russia.[20]

In 2020, Egypt launched a three-year weapons manufacturing strategy aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and expanding arms exports. The initiative, backed by a $479 million investment, focused on modernizing and adding 84 production lines. This effort sought to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers while enhancing domestic production capabilities, ultimately positioning Egypt as a regional defense exporter.[5]

### The Egyptian Interceptor Project

[edit]

Main article: Helwan HA-300

Egyptian aircraft HA-300 in Helwan

The Helwan HA-300 (Arabic: حلوان ٣٠٠) was an advanced supersonic jet fighter project developed by Egypt in the 1960s as part of its efforts to establish an independent military aviation industry. Designed by Willy Messerschmitt, the HA-300 was intended to be a lightweight, high-performance interceptor capable of reaching speeds over Mach 2. The aircraft featured a delta-wing configuration and was powered by the Brandner E-300 turbojet engine, an indigenous Egyptian development. Three prototypes were built, with flight tests beginning in 1964, but the program faced technical challenges and increasing costs. Egypt ultimately abandoned the project in 1969, opting instead to acquire Soviet aircraft like the MiG-21. Despite its cancellation, the HA-300 remains a significant milestone in Egypt’s aviation history as the country’s only attempt at producing a domestically designed jet fighter.[21]

### Supplying the CIA

[edit]

Main article: Operation Cyclone

Egypt was involved in supplying the Central Intelligence Agency with various weapons for Operation Cyclone during the Soviet–Afghan War. CIA Officer Gust Avrakotos set up a deal with Egyptian Defense Minister Abd al-Halim Abu Ghazala for Egypt to manufacture .303 ammunition for the hundreds of thousands of Lee–Enfield rifles that it supplied to the Afghan mujahideen through Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence. Congressman Charlie Wilson helped lower political barriers for the deals to go through.[22]

## Egypt Defence Expo

[edit]

Main article: Egypt Defence Expo

The Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) was launched in 2018 as Egypt’s first international defense exhibition, aimed at promoting the country’s military industry and strengthening its position as a regional hub for defense technology and trade. Held biennially in Cairo, the event has grown significantly, attracting global defense manufacturers alongside Egyptian state-owned and private-sector defense firms. EDEX provides a platform for showcasing domestically produced military equipment, fostering international partnerships, and facilitating defense cooperation. The exhibition highlights Egypt’s expanding capabilities in arms production, aerospace, naval systems, and electronic warfare, reinforcing its role in the global defense market.[23]

## Major entities

[edit]

Entity | Type | Source

|
|

Alexandria Shipyard | State-owned enterprise |
Arab International Optronics | State-owned enterprise | [24]
Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) | State-owned enterprise |
AOI Aircraft Factory | State-owned enterprise |
AOI Electronics Factory | State-owned enterprise |
AOI Engine Factory | State-owned enterprise |
Arab American Vehicle Company | Joint public-private venture |
Arab British Dynamics Company | Joint public-private venture |
Arab British Engine Company | Joint public-private venture |
Arab British Helicopter Company | Joint public-private venture |
Kader Factory for Developed Industries | State-owned enterprise |
Sakr for Developed Industries | State-owned enterprise |
Amstone | Private company | [25]
Eagles International for Defense Systems | Private company | [26]
Egyptian Armaments Authority | Government body |
Egyptian National Company for Industrial Development (ENCID) | State-owned enterprise | [27]
Engineering Industrial Complex | State-owned enterprise | [28]
International Marathon United Technology (IMUT) | Private company | [29]
Robotics Engineering Systems | Private company | [30]
National Authority for Military Production | Government body | [31]
Abu Qir Engineering Industries | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Abu Zaabal Engineering Industries | State-owned enterprise | [32][31]
Abu Zaabal Specialized Chemicals | State-owned enterprise | [33][31]
Abu Zaabal Specialized Industries | State-owned enterprise | [34][31]
Al-Maasara Engineering Industries | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Armoured Production and Repair Factory | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Benha Electronics | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Thales & Benha Electronics | Joint public-private venture | [6]
Heliopolis Chemical Industries | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Helwan Castings | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Helwan Diesel Engines | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Helwan Engineering Industries | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Helwan Machinery and Equipment | State-owned enterprise | [31][35]
Helwan Metal Hardware | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Helwan Non-Ferrous Industries | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Military Production Co. for Engineering Projects & Consultation | State-owned enterprise | [31][36]
Qaha Chemical Industries | State-owned enterprise | [31]
Shubra Engineering Industries | State-owned enterprise | [37][31]
National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) | Government body |

## See also

[edit]

* Egyptian Armed Forces
* Ministry of Defense (Egypt)
* National Service Products Organization
* Ministry of Military Production
* Military Technical College (Egypt)
* Arab Organization for Industrialization

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Mikhail, George (2020-03-04). "Egypt boosts local weapons production". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
2. ^ "EGYPT DEFENSE AND SECURITY". trade.gov. International Trade Administration. September 17, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
3. ^ "الصناعات الحربية في مصر في عهد جمال عبد الناصر خيال تحول لحقيقة |". 2013-03-25. Archived from the original on 2013-03-25. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
4. ^ "موقع الأمن والدفاع العربي | SDArabia | Security and Defense Arabia". 2018-08-13. Archived from the original on 2018-08-13. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
5. ^ a b "Egypt needs export customers for its growing defence industry". November 4, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
6. ^ a b "Egypt's Benha Electronics teams with France's Thales to coproduce military comms devices". Breaking Defense. July 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
7. ^ "Arab Organization for Industrialization". Federation of American Scientists. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
8. ^ "Egypt plans local production of light combat and trainer aircraft". December 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
9. ^ "We are Alexandria Shipyard". Alexandria Shipyard. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
10. ^ "Gowind". Alexandria Shipyard. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
11. ^ "MEKO A200". Alexandria Shipyard. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
12. ^ "Robotics Engineering System Makes Quantum Leap in Defense Manufacturing". September 7, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
13. ^ "Amstone: An Egyptian Pioneer in the Defense Industry". September 7, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
14. ^ Cleveland, William L, A History of the Modern Middle East, (Boulder: Westview Press, 2009), 69
15. ^ "Afrika Korps", Wikipedia, 2022-04-05, retrieved 2022-04-07
16. ^ "Owners of the Republic: An Anatomy of Egypt's Military Economy". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
17. ^ "Egypt - Missile". NTI. James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
18. ^ "المعهد الفنى للقوات المسلحة". 2017-12-16. Archived from the original on 2017-12-16. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
19. ^ "717 مليون دولار منتجات مصر العسكرية". 2020-08-07. Archived from the original on 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
20. ^ "تقرير: مصر لديها اقوى جيش في العالم العربي ويفوق 5 أضعاف عدد الجيش الإسرائيلي (3)". 2017-09-06. Archived from the original on 2017-09-06. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
21. ^ Bahaa, Mohamed (2007-11-28). "Helwan-300: The Egyptian Interceptor Project". Aviation Articles. e-sac. Archived from the original on 17 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
22. ^ Charlie Wilson's War, George Crile, 2003, Grove/Atlantic.
23. ^ "EDEX 2021 and the new start of Egyptian military industries". 9 December 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
24. ^ "AIO brings Egypt in the RCWS manufacturers arena". European Defence Review (EDR) Magazine. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
25. ^ "Amstone: An Egyptian Pioneer in the Defense Industry". September 7, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
26. ^ "Egyptian company Eagles Defence International Systems produces the T-6 and its S10 and K10CMD variants". defensenews.com. 28 April 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
27. ^ "Egyptian National Company for Industrial Development (ENCID)". Retrieved 9 March 2025.
28. ^ "Engineering Industrial Complex". Retrieved 2 March 2025.
29. ^ "About Us - I-MUT". Retrieved 2 March 2025.
30. ^ "Robotics Engineering System Makes Quantum Leap in Defense Manufacturing". September 7, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "وزارة الإنتاج الحربي ::شركات الإنتاج الحربي" [Ministry of Military Production ::Military Production Companies]. 2022-11-03. Archived from the original on 2022-11-03. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
32. ^ "بوابة الأهرام" [Al-Ahram Gate]. 2018-04-21. Archived from the original on 2018-04-21. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
33. ^ "الاهرام الرقمى" [Digital Pyramids]. 2016-04-25. Archived from the original on 2016-04-25. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
34. ^ "الوقائع المصرية تنشر قرار وزير الإنتاج الحربى بإنشاء شركة أبوزعبل |اليوم السابع" [Egyptian Gazette publishes the decision of the Minister of Military Production to establish Abu Zaabal Company]. 2016-06-03. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
35. ^ "حلوان للآلات و المعدات::نبذة تاريخية" [Helwan Machinery & Equipment::Historical Overview]. 2022-11-08. Archived from the original on 2022-11-08. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
36. ^ "بوابة الفجر: العصار يتفقد شركة الإنتاج الحربي للمشروعات والاستشارات الهندسية" [Al-Fajr Gate: Al-Assar inspects the Military Production Company for Engineering Projects and Consultations]. 2018-06-15. Archived from the original on 2018-06-15. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
37. ^ "شبرا للصناعات الهندسية" [Shebra Engineering Industries]. 2017-12-24. Archived from the original on 2017-12-24. Retrieved 2023-12-08.

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