This article is based on official announcements from AMMROC at EDEX 2025.

AMMROC and AOI Sign Strategic Agreements at EDEX 2025 to Localize Aerospace Manufacturing

Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center (AMMROC), a leader in military aviation MRO based in the United Arab Emirates, has formally entered a new phase of regional collaboration. During the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025) in Cairo, AMMROC signed three strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), Egypt’s largest defense conglomerate.

The agreements, signed on December 2, 2025, at the Egyptian Pavilion, aim to localize defense manufacturing and enhance operational readiness for military fleets in both nations. The partnership focuses on three critical verticals: aircraft manufacturing, engine maintenance, and helicopter systems. This move underscores a growing trend of industrial integration between the UAE and Egypt, leveraging AOI’s established infrastructure and AMMROC’s specialized technical expertise.

The signing ceremony was attended by high-level officials, including H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Tawazun Council, and H.E. Mahmoud Al Hameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation. The agreements were executed by Mr. Jasem Al Marzouqi, CEO of AMMROC, and Major General Engineer Mukhtar Abdel Latif, Chairman of the AOI.

Scope of the Strategic Partnership

According to official announcements released during the expo, the collaboration is structured around three distinct agreements, each targeting a specific facility within the AOI’s industrial network.

1. Aircraft Manufacturing and Development

The first MoU involves the AOI Aircraft Factory. The scope of this agreement includes the development, manufacturing, and marketing of components for fixed-wing aircraft, jets, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). A key objective is to align AOI’s production lines with AMMROC’s existing programs, effectively establishing dedicated manufacturing cells in Egypt to support the regional supply chain.

2. Engine MRO and Digital Manufacturing

The second agreement focuses on the AOI Engine Factory. This collaboration aims to enhance capabilities in the overhaul, repair, and manufacturing of engine parts. The partnership will utilize a Digital Manufacturing Center to produce high-precision components, such as rotating parts, housings, and shafts. It also facilitates knowledge transfer regarding advanced engine treatment processes, a critical requirement for modern military aviation sustainment.

3. Helicopter Systems Sustainment

The third MoU targets the Helwan Factory, focusing specifically on helicopter systems. The agreement outlines plans to develop joint upgrade programs, enhance structural repair capabilities, and implement technical training initiatives to support helicopter fleet readiness across the region.

Leadership Perspectives

Executives from both sides emphasized that these agreements represent more than just a commercial transaction; they signal a long-term commitment to knowledge transfer and industrial sovereignty.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Jasem Al Marzouqi, CEO of AMMROC, highlighted the shared vision between the two entities:

“The signing of three strategic MoUs with the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation reinforces our shared vision with our partners in Egypt to advance industrial capabilities, transfer knowledge, and expand bilateral cooperation in aviation and defence.”

, Jasem Al Marzouqi, CEO of AMMROC

Mahmoud Al Hameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation, AMMROC’s parent company, noted the strategic value of Egypt’s industrial base:

“Integrating strengths with expertise supports long-term collaboration efforts through AMMROC’s ecosystem… expanding regional partnerships in Egypt is strategic due to its potential and advanced capabilities.”

, Mahmoud Al Hameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation

Representing the UAE’s defense acquisition authority, H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi of the Tawazun Council described the deal as a “crucial step in advancing industrial integration between the UAE and Egypt,” emphasizing the goal of building capabilities rooted in modern technology.

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift Toward Regional “Technonationalism”

We view this partnership as a significant indicator of the shifting defense landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Nations in the region are aggressively moving away from a pure import model toward “technonationalism”, the strategy of localizing defense technology and manufacturing to ensure sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-regional powers.

For AMMROC, this is a clear expansion play. By tapping into Egypt’s AOI, which boasts a massive industrial workforce and over 12 factories, AMMROC can scale its operations beyond its Al Ain headquarters. This allows the company to service a broader range of North African clients effectively. For Egypt, the deal injects critical modernization techniques and digital manufacturing processes into its legacy infrastructure, ensuring its defense industry remains competitive in the 21st century.

About the Entities

AMMROC (Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center) is headquartered in Al Ain, UAE. It is the region’s only dedicated military MRO center capable of servicing a wide array of platforms, including the C-130, F-16, and Black Hawk helicopters. It operates under the Abu Dhabi Aviation Group.

The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) was established in 1975 and serves as the backbone of Egypt’s defense industry. While originally a pan-Arab initiative, it is now fully Egyptian-owned and comprises a vast network of industrial complexes producing defense and civilian equipment.

Sources: AMMROC Official Announcements, Arab Organization for Industrialization, EDEX 2025