Turkey has signed a $350 million defence agreement with Egypt, Africa’s most powerful military, highlighting Ankara’s growing engagement in regional security. The deal was finalized during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Cairo, where he met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi to strengthen bilateral strategic ties, Business Insider Africa reported.
Under the agreement, Turkey’s Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) will supply Egypt with a Tolga short-range air defence system worth around $130 million, capable of detecting and neutralising drones and low-flying aircraft, according to Middle East Eye. The system is intended to bolster Egypt’s integrated air defence capabilities.
The remaining $220 million will support the construction of ammunition production and defence manufacturing facilities in Egypt, including plants for 155 mm long-range artillery shells and 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm ammunition. Both governments will jointly operate these facilities, enhancing Egypt’s domestic defence capacity and potentially supplying regional markets, as highlighted by Proto Thema.
Analysts say the deal reflects a broader rapprochement between Turkey and Egypt after years of strained relations and underscores Ankara’s push to expand defence partnerships across Africa and the Middle East. It also comes as several African nations diversify suppliers and invest in local defence manufacturing to strengthen strategic autonomy, Cedi Rates added.
