Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production, Salah Gombalat, will participate in the First Balkan Shield - Defence Industry Expo and Summit 2026 in Sarajevo, aiming to deepen defence industry cooperation and showcase Egyptian military technology.
Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production, Salah Gombalat, is travelling to Sarajevo to represent Egypt at the First Balkan Shield - Defence Industry Expo and Summit 2026, scheduled from 1 to 4 September. The visit follows directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to enhance international partnerships in industrial and technological sectors, with a particular focus on defence cooperation.
Gombalat's participation comes at the invitation of Zukan Helez, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to Gombalat, the invitation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, especially in the defence sector. He emphasised the importance of Egypt's relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting mutual respect and the intention to broaden cooperation in ways that support both countries' development and stability.
Expo to Highlight Defence Industry Collaboration
The First Balkan Shield is the inaugural specialised defence and security exhibition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to position Sarajevo as a regional hub for defence innovation and international cooperation. The event will bring together leaders, officials, and experts from the global defence sector to discuss advancements in manufacturing technologies, security strategies, and responses to evolving global challenges.
Egypt's Ministry of Military Production will operate a pavilion at the expo, displaying advanced weapons, ammunition, equipment, and defence systems produced by its affiliated companies. The exhibition is expected to facilitate meetings between Gombalat and senior figures from participating companies, as well as visits to other national pavilions to explore the latest manufacturing technologies.
Strategic Implications for Egypt's Defence Industry
The summit is seen as an opportunity for Egypt to showcase its defence manufacturing capabilities and to seek new avenues for international cooperation. The event's agenda includes discussions on developing industrial technologies and security solutions, with the aim of addressing shared security challenges. The presence of Egyptian officials at the expo underlines Cairo's ambition to expand its defence industry partnerships beyond the region.
The exhibition will feature companies specialising in weapons, ammunition, military equipment, armoured systems, unmanned aerial systems, air defence, communications, military electronics, and cybersecurity. The outcomes of the summit may influence future defence collaborations and technology transfers between Egypt and other participating states.
