Turkey and Egypt announced on Wednesday the signing of a strategic defense agreement, marking a new chapter in military cooperation between the two nations. Experts note that the collaboration is not a final endpoint but a starting point, aiming to strengthen the self-sufficiency of the defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Under the agreement, the Turkish defense technology firm Havelsan will partner with the Egyptian Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) to jointly produce autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In a statement posted on its official social media account, Havelsan remarked: “We have signed a strategic cooperation agreement with AOI, one of Egypt’s leading industrial organizations, for the co-production of autonomous UAVs. The collaboration will include both assembly and joint manufacturing of UAVs.”
Mısır’ın önde gelen sanayi kuruluşlarından Arap Sanayileşme Otoritesi (AOI) ile otonom insansız hava araçlarının ortak üretimine yönelik stratejik iş birliği anlaşması imzaladık.✈️
Bu ortaklık kapsamında, otonom insansız hava araçlarının montajı ve ortak üretimi… pic.twitter.com/2UgSAlz5Q7
— HAVELSAN (@HAVELSANResmi) August 27, 2025
Scope of the Turkey-Egypt agreement
The deal covers the joint production of BAHA, BULUT, and BOZBEY UAVs, all developed within Turkey’s defense sector. It is expected to deepen industrial ties between Turkey and Egypt and provide Havelsan with a platform to expand into the African market.
The company has already exported the BAHA UAV to several African nations, whereas its unmanned ground vehicle, BARKAN, joined the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory in 2023.
Havelsan’s position and capabilities
Havelsan operates internationally across defense software, autonomous technologies, simulation and training systems, command-and-control solutions, and cybersecurity.
It is partially owned by Turkey’s military investment fund and is considered a leading technology company, providing software-focused solutions in defense, cybersecurity, and information technologies.
Toward technological independence and export growth
Havelsan CEO Mehmet Akif Nacar said the partnership will “strengthen local production capacity and bring autonomous UAV technologies to the region, enabling a strong entry into the African market.”
On the other hand, AOI Chairman Brig. Gen. Mokhtar Abdullatif emphasized that the collaboration merges Havelsan’s technological expertise with AOI’s manufacturing capabilities to support Egypt’s vision for technological advancement. “This partnership is not just about production; it represents an important step toward technological independence and sustainable exports,” he stated.
The agreement marks a strategic shift in regional defense collaboration, reflecting both countries’ ambitions to develop indigenous capabilities, strengthen industrial cooperation, and expand their reach into international markets. By combining expertise, resources, and technology, Turkey and Egypt aim to set a new standard for autonomous defense systems in the region.
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