This article is based on an official press release from the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI). See the original release for full details.

Egypt Enters Global Supply Chain for Rafale Fighter Jets with New Manufacturing Deal

In a significant development for the Egyptian defense industry, the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has signed a new industrial cooperation contract with French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation. The agreement, finalized during the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025, designates the AOI’s Helwan Military-Aircraft Factory as a certified partner in the global supply chain for the Rafale fighter jet.

According to the official press release from the AOI, the contract was signed in the presence of Lieutenant General Engineer Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairman of the AOI, and H.E. Eric Chevallier, the French Ambassador to Cairo. This deal marks a pivotal shift in the relationship between Egypt and Dassault, moving from a traditional buyer-seller dynamic to a strategic manufacturing partnership.

Under the terms of the agreement, Egyptian facilities will, for the first time, manufacture wing components for the Rafale aircraft. This step aligns with Egypt’s broader “Vision 2030” strategy to localize advanced defense technology and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

Helwan Aircraft Factory to Lead Production

The core of the agreement focuses on the Helwan Aircraft Factory, which has now been accredited to meet Dassault Aviation’s rigorous quality standards. The AOI statement confirms that the factory will produce specific wing parts for the Rafale, adhering to “Fourth Industrial Revolution” manufacturing standards. This ensures that components produced in Cairo are compatible with Dassault’s global requirements and can be integrated into aircraft destined for international markets.

Anne-Lise Dallut, General Manager of Dassault Aviation in Egypt, praised the capabilities of the Egyptian industrial base.

“The AOI’s factories have met Dassault’s rigorous quality and operational standards, serving as Egypt’s industrial backbone.”

This certification allows the AOI to act as a supply-chain hub, potentially exporting these locally manufactured parts back to France or to other nations operating the Rafale platform.

Strategic Context and French-Egyptian Cooperation

This contract builds upon years of deepening military and industrial ties between Cairo and Paris. Egypt currently operates one of the largest fleets of Rafale fighter jets outside of France, following major procurement deals signed in 2015 and 2021. The size of this fleet has provided a strong business case for localizing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, as well as component manufacturing.

According to reporting by Ahram Online and Daily News Egypt, the partnership has evolved significantly over the last decade. Previous collaborations included the establishment of the AOI School for Applied Technology in Helwan, which trains Egyptian technicians using French curricula to ensure a skilled workforce capable of handling advanced aerospace technologies.

Expanding the Industrial Alliance

The Dassault agreement is part of a wider trend of French aerospace companies deepening their footprint in Egypt. As noted in reports from Sada Elbalad, the AOI also recently strengthened ties with Safran Aircraft Engines. In late 2024, the AOI Engine Factory was accredited as the sole international center for the overhaul of Larzac engines, which power the Alpha Jet aircraft. These simultaneous developments position Egypt as a regional hub for French defense exports to African and Arab markets.

Official Statements on the Partnership

During the signing ceremony at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, key officials highlighted the economic and strategic importance of the deal.

Lieutenant General Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairman of the AOI, emphasized that the agreement reinforces Egypt’s status as a pivotal regional hub for advanced manufacturing. In the official release, he stated that the AOI is committed to increasing local manufacturing content and attracting foreign investment by leveraging its advanced industrial base.

French Ambassador Eric Chevallier echoed these sentiments, noting the strategic nature of the collaboration.

“This partnership supports France’s goal of using Egypt as a hub to boost French exports to neighboring Arab and African nations.”

AirPro News Analysis

From Buyer to Maker: A Strategic Leap
The transition from purchasing military hardware to manufacturing components for that hardware represents a critical maturity milestone for Egypt’s defense sector. By securing a role in the supply chain of a flagship platform like the Rafale, the AOI is insulating itself against supply chain disruptions while simultaneously developing high-tech human capital.

Economic Implications
Beyond national security, this deal has significant economic potential. Integrating into a global supply chain allows Egypt to generate hard currency through exports. Furthermore, the adoption of “Fourth Industrial Revolution” standards at the Helwan factory will likely have positive spillover effects, raising industrial standards across other sectors of the Egyptian economy.

Sources

• Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI)