Last December, Thales, a global technology leader, and the National Service Products Organisation (NSPO) of Egypt took a significant step towards bolstering Egypt’s defence industry, particularly in the specialised field of optronics.

The two entities renewed their commitment to Arab International Optronics (AIO), a joint venture established in 1982, aimed at advancing the local production of critical optronic equipment.

AIO has carved out a niche in Egypt’s military supply chain by offering sophisticated optical and optronic solutions for modern defence. Owned 49% by Thales and 51% by the NSPO, the partnership joins international technological expertise with local manufacturing capabilities. The recent renewal focuses specifically on enhancing Egypt’s optronics sector, a move reflective of the increasing importance of night vision and low-visibility operational technologies in contemporary military strategies.

One of the hallmark projects under this renewed collaboration is the local production of the LUCIE night vision goggles. These goggles represent a leap forward in night vision technology, offering compact, rugged, and enhanced visibility solutions for soldiers in adverse conditions. The emphasis on such advanced equipment underscores the joint venture’s role in not only supplying the Egyptian military with necessary tools but also in driving forward the technological capabilities of the local defence industry.

With over 400 employees dedicated to the development and manufacture of optical and optronic devices, AIO is at the forefront of Egypt’s efforts to achieve technological self-reliance in defence. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy, encapsulated in Egypt Vision 2030, which aims to elevate the country’s industrial base across various sectors, including defence.

The agreement was renewed amidst acknowledgments from both Thales and NSPO officials about the strategic importance of optronics in ensuring national security and operational superiority. Major General Tarek Saad Zaghloul, Chairman of AIO, and Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Thales International, both highlighted the venture’s commitment to innovation and the enhancement of Egypt’s military capabilities through technology transfer and localised production.

This focus on optronics equipment like the LUCIE night vision goggles highlights the specific technological advancements Egypt aims to integrate into its military capabilities. The venture not only serves the immediate operational needs of the Egyptian armed forces but also aligns with the country’s long-term objectives of fostering a robust, innovative, and self-sufficient defence industry.

The partnership between Thales and the NSPO, through the AIO joint venture, exemplifies the strategic collaborations essential for advancing national defense capabilities. By concentrating on the development and localisation of optronics technologies, the venture is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing Egypt’s defence readiness and technological independence.

Photo: Courtesy of Thales