MKE has launched Zafer, a company in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, that will manage defense industry activities and joint production projects. The company, established under Egyptian law, is wholly owned by MKE.
Speaking at the El Alamein International Airshow in the city of El Alamein, Keleş said Türkiye and Egypt were focusing on joint production and development efforts in the defense industry.
Joint production of explosives and ammunition with Egypt
MKE and Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production signed a memorandum of understanding on the joint production and development of defense industry products, particularly explosives.
Keleş announced that the two countries had signed a contract providing for the joint production of energetic materials, explosive materials and various ammunition equipment.
Noting Egypt’s interest in the MKE TOLGA system, Keleş said a symbolic sale of TOLGA had been made to the country. He added that the infrastructure had been established to make the system available to African and Gulf markets through a joint venture to be set up in Egypt.
Zafer will represent MKE in regional partnerships
Zafer will manage MKE’s commercial activities in Egypt and serve as MKE’s partner in joint production facilities to be established. The company is also planned to represent MKE in partnerships with local Egyptian firms.
This structure is intended to contribute to commercial activities in Africa and the Gulf region.
MKE seeks joint production opportunities in different countries
Keleş said that, alongside its export activities, MKE was holding talks to establish joint production mechanisms in different countries. Saying that joint venture processes in Canada were continuing, Keleş announced that some investments would be considered in the United States and that a localization option was available in a tender in Malaysia.
Keleş said the expertise MKE had gained from producing ammunition and weapons was important for technology transfer, adding that they were working to expand their production network, business links and market across different regions.
A joint production model is being developed that would bring together Egypt’s capability to produce military vehicles with MKE’s turret, command-and-control, hard-kill and soft-kill solutions.
Keleş also emphasized the importance of the historical, religious and political ties between Egypt and Türkiye for defense industry cooperation.
