The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a cooperation agreement with the French company Sofema on the third day of the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025). The agreements aim to strengthen collaboration in the maintenance and overhaul of aircraft engines.
This step aligns with AOI’s ongoing efforts to localise advanced defence technologies and expand its strategic partnerships with major global firms. The agreements were signed by Gamal Ramadan, Chairperson of the Aircraft Engine Factory, one of AOI’s key production units.
AOI Chairperson Mokhtar Abdelateef welcomed the partnership with Sofema, praising the company’s extensive experience and proven track record in aircraft engine maintenance and repair. He explained that the agreement includes cooperation in the overhaul, maintenance and repair of the LARZAC engine used in Alpha Jet aircraft, capitalising on the advanced technical and technological capabilities available at the Aircraft Engine Factory.
Abdelateef also affirmed AOI’s ambition for its factories, particularly the Aircraft Engine Factory, to serve as a regional hub for cooperation, technology transfer and expertise exchange with Sofema, meeting the needs of Egypt’s Armed Forces while supporting friendly and partner nations.
Frédéric Tisserand, Chairperson of Sofema, expressed his pride in partnering with AOI, noting that the organisation is among the leading defence industry institutions in the Arab and African regions. He stressed that Sofema adheres to strict quality standards and said he found these standards effectively implemented at AOI’s Aircraft Engine Factory, reinforcing the prospects for a strong and successful partnership.
