Turkey and Egypt have formalized a strategic agreement aimed at the local production of advanced unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Cairo. This partnership involves the Kader Advanced Industrial Factory, which will collaborate with the Ankara-based defense firm Havelsan to develop these sophisticated robotic systems.
Under the terms of the agreement, Havelsan will play a crucial role by providing its engineering expertise, as well as facilitating technology transfer and offering licensing assistance to ensure the effective co-production of the UGVs. This collaboration aims to enhance the military capabilities of both nations through shared knowledge and resources.
Havelsan’s Deputy General Manager, Åževket Ãœnal, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are proud to be co-producing advanced unmanned ground vehicles with our Egyptian partners. This partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening the defense capabilities of both nations.” He highlighted that the agreement represents a shared vision and expertise between Turkey and Egypt.
Havelsan has established itself as a leading global entity in the field of autonomous systems, with a focus on applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and border operations. Among its notable products is the Barkan UGV, which is designed to operate in challenging terrains while providing fire support for infantry units. However, officials from the company clarified that the UGV to be developed in Egypt will not simply replicate the Barkan model. Instead, it will feature a unique design tailored specifically to the requirements of the Egyptian military and the operational environment in the Middle East.
The development of the UGV prototype in Cairo is slated to commence in two weeks, with plans for the vehicle to be unveiled at the Egypt Defense Expo scheduled for December 2025. This initiative not only signifies a new era of defense collaboration between Turkey and Egypt but also showcases the growing emphasis on indigenous military production and technological self-sufficiency within the region.
