Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) and China’s North Industries Corporation have entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly manufacture tactical unmanned aerial vehicles.
The initiative brings together Chinese drone technologies and AOI’s Aircraft Factory infrastructure, aligning with Egypt’s broader strategy to modernize its defense capabilities and enhance local production.
The announcement also introduced the Hamza-2, a weaponized drone modeled on China’s ASN-209 system and outfitted with guided munitions.
According to sources, the Hamza-2 will serve in reconnaissance and strike missions, expanding its purpose beyond traditional surveillance duties.
Officials have not yet revealed whether the Hamza-2 forms part of the cooperation agreement or provided information on production timelines, batch numbers, or export intentions related to the Egypt–China venture.
The MoU was signed at the opening of the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) in New Cairo, an event inaugurated by the President and attended by more than 450 defense companies and delegations representing over 100 countries.
AOI also secured additional agreements at the exhibition with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group and the UAE–Chinese entity Al-Qalaa Red Flag, focusing on joint production, sustainment, and export projects.
In parallel, Egypt broadened its collaboration with Dassault Aviation, including the local manufacturing of Rafale fighter jet components, underscoring Cairo’s growing prominence as a regional defense manufacturing center.
