‘Advances in armoured vehicles, naval platforms, optics and battlefield techs on display’
A tour by The Egyptian Gazette at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025), has revealed how the national defence institutions demonstrated their determination to fully localise military-industrial capabilities. This is being achieved not only through foreign partnerships, but also through achieving complete control over the design and production cycle.
Exhibits across the venue have revealed significant advancements in armoured platforms, advanced optics and complex naval manufacturing.
Engineering Industries Complex
Officials from the Engineering Industries Complex, operating under the Armed Forces Vehicles Department, outlined the manufacturing philosophy behind the locally produced Temsah armoured vehicle family. The first prototype was developed in 2011 in response to an urgent need to protect frontline troops.
The secret behind the wide variety of Temsah models lies in abandoning the concept of purchasing a “ready-made” vehicle in favour of a tailored design approach. Engineers work directly with the end user – whether Special Forces, Paratroopers, Infantry or Police – to define mission requirements, terrain and firepower needs.
As a result, each model, including the showcased Temsah 3S, features a unique footprint in its dimensions, protection level and internal configuration, ensuring optimal battlefield performance. Local content has now reached 70 per cent.
The complex also highlighted its newest variants — Temsah Bus, Temsah 5 and the EG-Sherb – representing the latest generation of indigenous armoured solutions. It additionally manufactures remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS) in collaboration with the Arab International Optronics Company.
A key strategic challenge currently under development is the localisation of the chassis and engine, with research and development already under way in cooperation with Egyptian private-sector partners.
Arab International Optronics
In an interview with Major General Tarek Saad Zaghloul, Chairman of the Arab International Optronics Company, the firm showcased its expanding portfolio of modernisation projects. Central to the presentation was a fully Egyptian-designed and manufactured digital fire-control system compatible with armoured vehicles and main battle tanks. The system features a secure, non-traceable and non-hackable operating programme.
The company also unveiled the X29 Remote Engagement System, equipped with a machine gun and a laser-guided missile with a range of seven kilometres — a milestone in the local production of precision weaponry.
Remote-Controlled Naval Craft
Eng Ahmed Emad, Director of the Sleep Rung Centre, revealed details of an unmanned naval craft equipped with an onboard engagement system. Produced in cooperation with a Cypriot partner, the craft can be controlled from a land-based station at distances of up to 100 kilometres and has already undergone a successful live demonstration in Greece.
Naval Shipyards Command
Under the Marine Industries and Services Organisation, the Egyptian naval shipyards showcased their capability to build and modernise complex naval platforms. Through strategic partnerships, Egypt has localised production of the MEKO A-200 frigate, completing three units in collaboration with an international partner, with a fourth currently under construction. Three Gowind-class corvettes have also been domestically produced.
The shipyards further highlighted several Egyptian-built vessels, including the PV43 coastal patrol craft produced with German cooperation, a fully Egyptian fibreglass marine ambulance, and a 200-ton AHTS rescue tug constructed for the Suez Canal Authority — reinforcing Alexandria Shipyard’s status as a regional leader.
Eng Mayar Abdelhamid of the Egyptian Shipbuilding and Repair Company added that the yards are now producing specialised craft for combating liquid and solid marine pollutants.
Personnel Protection and Military Textiles
The National Development and Industrialisation Company (NDI) presented its extensive range of military textiles and internationally certified ballistic vests. The company delivered an initial batch of 500 units, manufactured to globally recognised protection standards and supplied to the United Nations and media personnel working in conflict zones.
Strategic Milestone The breadth and sophistication of the showcased products confirm that EDEX has evolved beyond a conventional arms exhibition. It now serves as a platform for assessing Egypt’s strategic progress toward achieving full sovereignty in design, decision-making and manufacturing across key defence sectors.
