Egypt’s state-run Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s North Industries Corporation to co-produce tactical unmanned aerial systems.
The partnership will merge Chinese technologies with AOI’s Aircraft Factory capabilities, supporting Egypt’s ongoing push to upgrade its defense sector and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
As part of the signing, Egypt unveiled the Hamza-2, a combat-ready drone derived from China’s ASN-209 platform and equipped to carry precision-guided weapons.
Sources indicate that the Hamza-2 is intended not only for surveillance but also for strike and reconnaissance roles.
Officials have not yet clarified whether the drone will be directly integrated into the new partnership or provided details on production schedules, expected quantities, or export plans tied to the Egypt–China framework.
The agreement was concluded during the opening ceremony of the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) in New Cairo, which was inaugurated by the President and drew over 450 defense firms and delegations from more than 100 nations.
During the event, AOI also signed deals with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group and UAE–Chinese firm Al-Qalaa Red Flag, covering co-production, maintenance support, and export collaboration.
Simultaneously, Egypt deepened cooperation with Dassault Aviation of France, expanding local manufacturing of Rafale components, further cementing its identity as a rising defense-industrial hub in the region.
