ALAMEIN – Egypt is moving its locally developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from development into production, while expanding strategic partnerships aimed at advancing domestic manufacturing and technology localisation.
In an exclusive interview with The Egyptian Gazette at the Alamein International Aviation and Space Exhibition, Major General Engineer Mohamed Abu Bakr, Chairman of the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI), said Egyptian drones have officially entered the “production phase”, with work continuing to develop their capabilities and broaden their applications.
He said the move forms part of a wider AOI strategy centred on technological development, joint manufacturing and international partnerships, with the organisation seeking to build on Egypt’s industrial capabilities rather than simply import finished products.
The approach, he explained, extends beyond military and security applications to include civilian uses such as civil protection, agriculture, search and rescue, opening wider prospects for Egypt’s emerging UAV capabilities.
AOI’s participation in this year’s exhibition highlights the extensive capabilities of its companies and facilities, particularly in the aviation, defence and space sectors.
Abu Bakr described the exhibition as an important platform for networking with international companies, exchanging expertise and exploring opportunities for co-operation. He noted that the event brings together leading global defence and aerospace firms, advanced technologies and dedicated display and manufacturing areas.
He stressed that AOI’s presence at the exhibition was not merely a formal participation, but reflected the Egyptian state’s vision of showcasing advanced technologies, exploring development opportunities and fostering co-operation with major international corporations.
The AOI Chairman said the organisation has strong manufacturing capabilities and extensive accumulated expertise in the aviation sector, including aircraft overhaul and maintenance, particularly for turboprop aircraft and helicopters, as well as aircraft licensing and insurance services.
He added that AOI regularly participates in major international conferences and exhibitions, describing business co-operation with Egypt as a clear indication of the confidence placed in the country by global institutions.
Abu Bakr highlighted the strong momentum of the Alamein exhibition in terms of organisation, international participation and bilateral meetings.
He said the technological progress on display reflects the close relationships Egypt has developed with friendly nations, demonstrating the country’s ability to bring together major international companies and advanced technologies on one platform.
Elaborating on AOI’s strategy, he said the organisation places technological advancement at the heart of its work, continuously exploring opportunities to develop or introduce new solutions while upgrading existing capabilities to keep pace with global market trends.
He emphasised that AOI’s approach to co-operation is open and flexible, with the organisation seeking partnerships that can generate genuine added value for Egypt.
“We consider ourselves an extension of the national military establishment, and we maintain broad relationships with the private sector and major manufacturers,” he said.
“Our factories and facilities are ready for any constructive collaboration that serves Egypt’s national interests – whether an investor brings an idea, a product or a market, while AOI provides the design and industrial capacity to bring both sides together under a single strategic framework.”
Abu Bakr explained that AOI’s technology localisation and development plans run along two parallel tracks.
The first involves approved contracts and the establishment of production lines, while the second and most important focuses on the continuous development of existing products.
Given the rapid pace of technological advancement worldwide, he said AOI works closely with research institutions and scientific talent to ensure that its products remain up to date and competitive.
Regarding international partnerships for manufacturing and marketing, the AOI Chairman said the organisation remains open to co-operation whenever it delivers genuine added value.
The objective, he stressed, is not simply to acquire a product and reproduce or display it locally, but to use partnerships to expand Egypt’s own industrial and technological capabilities.
With established production lines and specialised human resources, AOI aims to build relationships with international companies based on “joint manufacturing and development” rather than conventional import arrangements.
Concluding his remarks, Abu Bakr reaffirmed AOI’s role as a key pillar of Egypt’s domestic manufacturing strategy.
He said the organisation is focused on developing military and civilian products to the highest international quality standards while building partnerships with national and international companies.
Through localisation, continuous technological development and strategic industrial co-operation, AOI aims to contribute to sustainable development, strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and support the national economy.
