Egypt Defence Exhibition (EDEX) 2025

Executive Overview

The Egypt Defence Exhibition (EDEX) 2025, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, is the region’s premier defence and security showcase. Taking place from 1–4 December 2025 in Cairo, the biennial event reaffirms Egypt’s role as a strategic hub for defence cooperation in Africa and the Middle East.

EDEX brings together global defence leaders, government officials, military delegations, and industry professionals. With more than 400 exhibitors from across the land, sea, and air domains, the exhibition highlights the latest in military technologies, equipment, and integrated solutions, positioning Egypt as a gateway to regional and international defence markets.

Purpose and Strategic Significance

• Showcasing Technology: Presentation of the latest platforms in land systems, naval power, air defence, and unmanned capabilities.
• Diplomatic Platform: Provides Egypt with an opportunity to deepen military-to-military cooperation and defence diplomacy with global partners.
• Regional Leadership: Reinforces Cairo’s position as a security hub amid evolving challenges in the Middle East, Africa, and Mediterranean basins.
• Industry Growth: Encourages investment in Egypt’s domestic military production sector, supported by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Military Production.

Key Features of EDEX 2025

• Exhibitors: Over 400 leading defence and security companies from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America.
• Delegations: Fully hosted international VIP military delegation programme, bringing together senior decision-makers.
• Visitors: Approximately 35,000 attendees expected, including government officials, military officers, procurement specialists, and defence analysts.
• Organiser: Arabian World Events, with the full support of the Egyptian Ministry of Defence.

Expected Areas of Focus

• Land Warfare Systems: Main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery, and soldier systems.
• Naval Platforms: Littoral combat ships, submarines, coastal surveillance, and maritime security technologies.
• Air Power & Air Defence: Fighter aircraft, UAVs, integrated missile defence, and radar systems.
• Cybersecurity & C4ISR: Networked operations, secure communications, and intelligence platforms.
• Unmanned & Autonomous Systems: Drones for ISR and strike missions, robotic vehicles, and AI-enhanced defence technologies.

Strategic Implications

• For Egypt:

– Enhances national prestige as host of a leading regional defence event.

– Strengthens its domestic military-industrial base through international partnerships.

– Serves as a defence diplomacy platform, reinforcing ties with allies and attracting new partners.

• For Global Defence Industry:

– Provides access to Egypt’s expanding market and regional clients across Africa and the Arab world.

– Offers a venue for competitive positioning against U.S., European, Russian, and Chinese defence suppliers.

• For Africa & MENA Security:

– Promotes collaboration in addressing terrorism, insurgencies, maritime security threats, and border management.

– Highlights Cairo’s role in balancing external powers in the regional arms market.

African Security Analysis (ASA) Assessment

EDEX 2025 will serve as more than a trade exhibition—it is a strategic theatre for influence. The convergence of global defence powers in Cairo reflects Egypt’s pivotal role as both a consumer and exporter of defence solutions, and as a broker in regional security dialogues.

ASA anticipates that:

• New procurement deals will emerge between Egypt and international suppliers (air defence systems, naval assets, UAV technologies).
• Egypt will emphasize its capacity for local production and co-development, seeking to reduce dependency on imports.
• Competition between Western, Russian, and Chinese suppliers will be particularly visible, reflecting broader geopolitical rivalries.

Conclusion

The Egypt Defence Exhibition 2025 will consolidate Cairo’s position as a regional hub for defence diplomacy, procurement, and military cooperation. With more than 400 exhibitors and 35,000 attendees, the event not only showcases technology but also acts as a strategic platform for shaping future security partnerships in Africa and the Middle East.

ASA offer on-site monitoring, post-event analysis, and risk assessments of procurement trends, strategic partnerships, and regional implications for defence actors engaging in or influenced by EDEX 2025.