Egypt’s state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has debuted its long-range Hamza-3 suicide drone with a striking 1,800 km operational range at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia. Alongside the Sakr 105 rocket launcher and Haris-2 jammer, the systems underscore Cairo’s push to localize defense production—though officials confirm some drone subsystems remain imported from China for now.
In a bold statement of technological ambition, Egypt’s primary defense manufacturer pulled back the curtain on a new generation of indigenous systems at one of the world’s premier military exhibitions. The message was clear: Egypt is serious about building its own defense ecosystem.
At the heart of the reveal was the Hamza-3, a “fire-and-forget” loitering munition that represents a significant leap in capability. With an endurance of up to 10 hours and a remarkable 1,800-kilometer range, the drone is designed to identify and engage moving targets autonomously, even featuring swarming capabilities. A company official at the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) stand confirmed the displayed model was a functional prototype that had already undergone flight and targeting tests.
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The Hamza-3 directly addresses a critical strategic need for many modern militaries: the ability to project precise, long-range strike power without relying on manned aircraft or expensive missiles. It fills a gap in the inventory for persistent, deep-strike reconnaissance and engagement.
In operational terms, an operator can launch the Hamza-3 toward a general area. Its onboard cameras and anti-jamming systems then allow it to loiter, identify specific targets—even vehicles on the move—and execute a precision kamikaze strike. This provides commanders with a flexible, long-reaching tactical tool.
However, the path to full independence has steps remaining. Innovator & Engineer: The systems are developed and integrated by engineers at the state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), Egypt’s cornerstone defense industrial entity. Yet, an AOI official openly noted that some key subsystems for the Hamza-3 were currently imported from China. The firm’s clear goal, however, is to localize full production within Egypt—a mission that aligns with a broader trend across Arab states to reduce foreign dependency and circumvent potential arms embargoes.
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This reliance on foreign components for advanced systems like the Hamza-3 highlights a current boundary in Egypt’s defense indigenization. While final assembly and integration happen locally, core high-tech subsystems still come from abroad, illustrating the technical and industrial challenges of achieving complete self-sufficiency.
Alongside the drone, AOI showcased other locally developed tools. The Sakr 105 is a shoulder-fired, 105mm rocket launcher capable of firing three rockets per minute at ranges between 50 and 700 meters, intended for anti-tank and thermobaric roles. For counter-drone operations, the DJ-400P jammer and the vehicle-mounted Haris-2 system were displayed, the former designed to neutralize small drones within a 4-kilometer radius.
Collectively, these systems represent more than just new hardware; they embody Egypt’s strategic move toward defense industrial sovereignty. Localizing production safeguards supply chains, fosters domestic expertise, and retains capital within the national economy. In a region where geopolitical winds can shift quickly, such self-reliance is increasingly viewed as a component of national security itself.
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The debut at the Saudi-hosted World Defense Show is also symbolic. Saudi Arabia’s own Vision 2030 mandates 50% localization of defense spending, creating a regional atmosphere where collaborative development and technology transfer are becoming the price of entry for foreign partners. Egypt’s AOI is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer for its own armed forces, but as a potential regional partner in this new industrial landscape.
