President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into Egypt’s defensive weaponry, emphasizing the need to modernize the nation’s military manufacturing capabilities.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting between President Sisi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, Ashraf Salem Zaher, and Minister of State for Military Production, Salah Suleiman.
Strengthening military self-sufficiency
According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed al-Shennawy, the meeting reviewed the current manufacturing capacities and resources available to meet the Armed Forces’ requirements.
President Sisi underscored the “pivotal role” of military production companies in developing high-quality products that ensure the military establishment remains self-sufficient and technologically advanced.
Localization and private sector partnerships
A major focus of the discussions was the localization of industry. Sisi directed officials to prioritize the localization of industrial products through the integration of AI and advanced technologies.
He also called for strengthening partnerships with both local and foreign investors and to forge long-term alliances with global industry leaders to ensure the ownership and domestic incorporation of cutting-edge technologies.
Human capital and digital infrastructure
The president also reviewed plans to enhance operational efficiency through the development of digital infrastructure and the expansion of specialized training programs, in collaboration with universities and research centers.
The meeting concluded with President Sisi stressing the importance of investing in human capital and adhering to international standards of quality and industrial safety, noting that the defense industry remains a vital pillar for supporting the national economy.
