(MENAFN) Türkiye’s domestically developed aviation systems are becoming increasingly influential among African nations seeking to strengthen and modernize their security capabilities.

According to general reports, one of the leading contributors to this trend is Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which is presenting a range of its products at the Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX) 2025 in Cairo from Dec. 1–4.

TAI is currently engaged in active negotiations with roughly 90 countries, with nearly 40 African states—including Egypt—forming a central focus of its outreach and marketing efforts. Over the past five years, the company has secured around 14 agreements with seven African nations.

Several of these contracts have already resulted in deliveries, while others remain in progress.

The firm’s air platforms are designed for long-term service, operating with life cycles of about 25 years. TAI made its first delivery to the continent in 2022 through an agreement with Tunisia, marking the beginning of a sustained presence expected to continue for decades.

Every mass-produced TAI aircraft currently in production already operates within Africa. These include the twin-engine TAI Atak helicopter, the Hurkus basic trainer aircraft, and the Anka and Aksungur unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Meanwhile, newer systems such as Hurjet, Gobkey, and the Anka III—now part of the Turkish Air Force’s inventory—bring combat-tested experience that is expected to further broaden TAI’s offerings and appeal within the African defense market.

With a portfolio spanning foundational aircraft to advanced next-generation platforms, TAI is positioned to serve a wide range of operational needs. Turkish defense technologies are attracting significant demand in African countries due to factors such as affordability, durability, responsive support services, and overall performance.

Baykar, another major Turkish defense manufacturer, has also seen rapid growth across the continent. Together, TAI and Baykar now maintain a presence in the air platform sector in 25 African countries. Beyond aircraft, African clients are increasingly selecting Turkish-made systems in areas such as electro-optics, munitions, and radar technologies. Products from various Turkish manufacturers continue to enhance African militaries’ capabilities while expanding the sector’s export opportunities.

TAI’s involvement in Africa extends beyond equipment sales. The company provides pilot training for the aircraft it supplies and has established engineering laboratories in select countries as part of a broader development initiative. These efforts reflect Türkiye’s aim to pair its defense exports with long-term, people-centered cooperation—such as supporting local engineering and technical training—to reinforce its diplomatic engagement across Africa and beyond.

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