[ACCI-CAVIE] Egypt has historically maintained continuous investment in the latest weaponry as a defence strategy and has strengthened national production lines across a range of military complexes.
Egyptian defence companies are relying on defence exhibitions and show to corral potential customers into taking an interest in their products. At the IDEX 2023 defence exhibition, which was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Egypt companies displayed a plethora of capabilities ranging from armoured vehicles to naval, unmanned and electronic solutions.
Cairo’s participation at this event highlights progress in the homegrown defence industrial complex which is now able to supply the most cutting-edge requirements to the military, thereby reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Egypt’s military-industrial complex has enjoyed burgeoning growth since the last decade owing to sustained government support, and a need to keep the military forces modernized and in top fighting shape.
At Egypt’s pavilion at IDEX 2023, models of several products were on display including Sena 200 IFV, ESR-32B Primary Radar, P-01 radar for UAVs, counter-drones jamming system, IFF transponder and receiver, upgraded Maadi AR assault rifle, upgraded BM-21 ‘Sakr’ MLRS, and 122mm D-30 Wheeled SPH, and armoured steel plates.
For land warfare, the Egyptian National Company for Industrial Development (ENCID) displayed its products of domestic tactical military gears for infantry. While the Egyptian Army Engineering Industrial Complex showcased its brand new Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Armored Vehicle Temsah IV fitted with the locally manufactured Eagle Remote-controlled Weapon Station (RCWS).
The Egyptian Engineering Industrial Complex has developed a range of protected mobility vehicles called Temsah, which are based on proven commercial-off-the-shelf chassis to reduce lifecycle costs.
Shown at IDEX 2023 was the Temsah-4 based on a Mercedes-Benz 1725 Atego 4×4 chassis, with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 15t of which 4t is the payload.
Other members of the Temsah 4×4 family include the Sherpa which is based on a French Arquus Sherpa 4×4 chassis as well as the compact Temsah 3, 5 and 6 which in addition to being marketed in APC configuration are also available as pick-ups.
Also, models of the Egyptian Temsah family of armoured vehicles exhibited at IDEX 2023 included Temsah II MRAP, Temsah III Light Armored Vehicle (LAV), and Temsah Sherpa Light Tactical Armored Vehicle (LTAV).
Egypt also displayed an upgrade of the Sakr/BM21 Multiple Rocket Launchers (MRLS) which features adjustable rocket tubes converted into disposable canisters, as well as installing an indigenously developed fire-control system (FCS). Egypt also seeking to convert Sakr 122mm munitions with guidance kits.
There was also an Egyptian modification of the 122mm D30 Howitzer by mounting it on Ural 4320 truck with a reinforced frame and hydraulic stabilizers, also a similar modification was implemented on the M-46 130mm towed artillery, following lessons learned from the Russia/Ukraine war that mounted artillery are advantageous over towed variants.
In the area of aviation, services of Egypt’s Helicopter Overhaul Center. was promoted. The centre can provide maintenance and overhaul services for up to 16 helicopters at the same time, as it received four licenses to provide these services for Mi-24 gunships, Mi-8/17, and Gazelle choppers.
Cairo has developed its local defence and security industry that produces a range of products from small arms to armoured vehicles and naval vessels. The local industry has successfully signed co-production agreements with quite many countries, including the United States and France.
The Egyptian government’s plan is to export Egyptian weapons to African and Middle Eastern countries in order to further extend Egyptian influence in the continent.
To further exploit the potential of defence exhibitions and shows, Egypt is organising the 3rd edition of the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) takes place 4-7 December 2023. The award-winning show presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the latest technology, equipment and systems across land, sea, and air.
EDEX is fully supported by Egyptian Armed Forces with 920,000 military personnel, the largest military power in Africa and one of the leading forces worldwide, Egypt is the ideal setting for a large-scale defence & security event.
The biennial Expo will showcase the latest military technology, equipment and systems across land, sea and air, with over 35,000 military and defence industry visitors expected to attend on 4-7 December 2023.
By Darek Liam & Ekene Lionel and LB