Turkey has signed a strategic agreement with Egypt to locally produce advanced unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Cairo.
Under the deal, the Kader Advanced Industrial Factory will leverage the engineering expertise of Ankara-based defense company Havelsan to manufacture the UGV systems.
Havelsan will also support the project by facilitating technology transfer and providing licensing assistance to ensure the successful co-production of these robotic vehicles.
We’ve signed a strategic agreement to co-produce UGVs in Egypt—with tech transfer & licensing support from HAVELSAN.
“This is about shared expertise and vision.” – HAVELSAN Vice President Şevket Ünal
https://t.co/DzHiFZIj2y#UGV #Egypt #HAVELSAN pic.twitter.com/Ko0bEX4FQa
— HAVELSAN Global (@havelsanglobal) March 27, 2025
According to Havelsan Deputy General Manager Şevket Ünal, the collaboration highlights the shared vision of both nations to strengthen their military capabilities.
“We are proud to be co-producing advanced unmanned ground vehicles with our Egyptian partners,” he stated. “This partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening the defense capabilities of both nations.”
‘Tailored Design’
Havelsan has established itself as a global leader in autonomous systems capable of supporting surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and border operations.
One of its flagship products is the Barkan UGV, an advanced unmanned system that can navigate challenging terrain while providing fire support to infantry units.
However, a company official clarified to Breaking Defense that the UGV to be produced in Egypt will not be a direct replica of the Barkan.
Instead, the vehicle will feature a unique design customized to meet the specific needs of the Egyptian military and the operational conditions in the Middle East.
Development of the UGV prototype in Cairo is set to begin in two weeks, with the vehicle expected to be showcased at the Egypt Defense Expo in December 2025.
