Recognizing the importance of international partnerships in the defense industry, Egypt hosted the 3rd International Exhibition for Defense and Military Industries, or Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX 2023), in December 2023.
Held at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center in Nasr City, Cairo, EDEX 2023 provided 411 reputable international and national exhibitors from 44 countries an opportunity to exchange expertise. The exhibitors showcased their products in 22 pavilions across three fairgrounds.
Attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, several distinguished guests and senior military officers, EDEX 2023 opened with a short documentary dubbed “The Will and the Challenge” produced by the Egyptian Ministry of Defense’s Department of Moral Affairs.
The documentary highlighted the achievements of the Egyptian Naval Force and the role the local Egyptian military industry played in its armament, particularly Alexandria Shipyard, whose efforts culminated in the production of three frigates in partnership with German and French firms.
Vice Adm. Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa, commander of Egypt’s Naval Force, delivered a speech underlining the phases of development the Naval Force went through and efforts to create a dependable national defense industry. He praised international partnership and the exchange of expertise to strengthen security forces to meet challenges and conflicts in the Middle East and throughout the world.
“Egypt was and still is a starting point for people who love goodness and peace, consolidating efforts and containing conflicts to establish peace and formulate a common present,” said Mohamed Zaki, commander in chief of Egypt’s Armed Forces and minister of defense and military production.
Egypt held EDEX for the first time in December 2018 with 56 delegations from 41 countries. The second iteration was held in November 2021 and was attended by more than 400 exhibitors from 42 countries. Sources: YouTube, the Egyptian National Press Authority