Turkey has signed a US$350 million defence agreement with Egypt, widely regarded as Africa’s strongest military and ranked 19th globally, in a move that highlights Cairo’s expanding defence ambitions and Ankara’s growing footprint in African security markets.
The landmark deal was inked between Turkey’s state-owned Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) and Egypt’s Ministry of Defence during an official visit to Cairo by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Tolga Short-Range Air Defence System: Under the pact, MKE will export the Tolga short-range air defence system to Egypt in a deal valued at approximately US$130 million. The system is designed to detect, track and neutralise aerial threats, including drones, low-flying aircraft and emerging missile technologies, a capability increasingly critical in modern conflict zones.
Ammunition exports and local production: The agreement also covers the export of ammunition and the establishment of local production facilities in Egypt. Plans include building a 155mm artillery ammunition factory, along with production lines for 7.62mm and 12.7mm calibre ammunition. These industrial investments account for the remaining US$220 million of the broader deal.
Joint venture creation: To oversee the facilities and expand export potential across Africa and the Middle East, both parties have agreed to establish a joint venture company that will manage production and future collaboration.
The defence pact underscores a rapid thaw and strategic reset in relations between Turkey and Egypt, which were strained following the 2013 military takeover that brought President el-Sisi to power. Diplomatic ties began normalising in 2023 with the appointment of ambassadors and increased high-level engagements.
Analysts say the rapprochement reflects overlapping security concerns, including conflicts in Sudan and Somalia, maritime security and broader regional instability, that have pushed both Ankara and Cairo toward deeper defence cooperation.
Egypt’s strengthened partnership with Turkey also reflects a broader trend among African and Middle Eastern powers to diversify defence alliances. Algeria has traditionally relied on Russian military hardware, while Morocco maintains close defence ties with the United States. Several African countries have also turned to China for military equipment, financing and technology.
By building local production capabilities and expanding its defence industrial base, Egypt appears to be pursuing a multi-vector security strategy aimed at enhancing military readiness, reducing foreign dependence and positioning itself as a regional hub for defence manufacturing.
Erdoğan’s visit to Cairo is widely seen as a milestone in the renewed partnership, with defence collaboration emerging as a central pillar of Turkey–Egypt relations.
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