Machinery and Chemical Industry, the century-old sycamore of the Turkish defence industry, has turned the winds of normalisation between Ankara and Cairo into a concrete strategic partnership. According to Ministry of National Defence sources, MKE has signed a giant contract to establish 155 mm long-range artillery ammunition and cartridge factories in Egypt. Within the scope of the agreement, the “TOLGA” Close Air Defence System developed by MKE was also exported to the Egyptian Army.
Turkey's capabilities in the defence industry are not limited to product sales, but are evolving into a technology and capability transfer model. MKE has undertaken the installation of critical facilities that will meet the ammunition needs of the Egyptian Armed Forces, one of the most powerful armies in North Africa. This move was one of the clearest indicators proving Turkey's production power and engineering exports during the global ammunition supply crisis.
Turkish Ammunition Signature to Egypt
The contract covers the installation of two main production facilities:
- 155 mm Long Range Artillery Ammunition Factory: MKE will establish a modern production line in Egypt for 155 mm cannons, which have become the world's most strategic and most difficult to find ammunition with the Ukraine-Russia war. This facility will ensure the logistical continuity of Egypt's artillery batteries.
- Flare Manufacturing Plant: MKE, one of the world's leading manufacturers of small arms ammunition (cartridges), will transfer this experience to Egypt with the facility it will establish.
These factories show that MKE is increasing its influence in the region not only as a supplier but also as a “founding partner”.
The New Protector of Armoured: TOLGA
The most remarkable export item of the agreement was the MKE TOLGA Close Air Defence System. TOLGA, which was sold to Egypt, plays a critical role especially in the protection of armoured units against air threats.
What is the Close Air Defence System TOLGA?
Developed by MKE, TOLGA is an effective air defence solution against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-altitude threats that can be integrated on Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) such as the older generation M113. The system is equipped with MKE's electric turret system and integrated electro-optical sensors, transforming conventional armoured vehicles into a modern air defence platform. Considering Egypt's large M113 inventory, TOLGA exports open the door to a large modernisation market.
Strategic Rapprochement in the Eastern Mediterranean
This agreement is not only a commercial success, but also shows that the diplomatic relations between Turkey and Egypt have been reinforced through the defence industry. Two important powers of the Eastern Mediterranean are opening a new page in regional balances by cooperating in the field of defence at the level of joint production and system procurement.
