Cairo: National Authority for Military Production and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) signed a cooperation protocol to enhance local manufacturing by integrating scientific research and artificial intelligence. The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Military Production Salah Soliman Gombalat and AASTMT President Ismail Abdel Ghaffar.According to State Information Service Egypt, the protocol aligns with the state's vision to integrate scientific research and AI into manufacturing processes to strengthen local industry through a strategic training partnership. Under the agreement, AASTMT will provide training and capacity-building for the authority's workforce and affiliated companies at all administrative and technical levels, particularly leadership and executive cadres.The cooperation also includes developing production lines at affiliated factories by integrating smart systems, through the practical application of research projects by engineer ing and artificial intelligence students across various specializations. This comes within the framework of presidential directives to deepen local manufacturing and localize advanced technologies, ultimately boosting national production capabilities and reducing reliance on imports.Gombalat added that the Ministry of Military Production will offer training opportunities for AASTMT engineering and AI students across its companies and affiliated units. The partnership will also extend to leveraging the authority's manufacturing capabilities to meet logistical needs, including supplying restaurant and hotel equipment at competitive prices, alongside exclusive discounts on its products for employees, students, and their families.For his part, AASTMT President Ismail Abdel Ghaffar expressed pride in the cooperation with the Ministry of Military Production, praising its role as a leading national industrial institution supporting Egyptian industry, and voiced hopes for a fruitful partnership with its affiliate d companies and units. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their aspiration for this cooperation to serve as a key pillar for exchanging scientific and industrial expertise, supporting sustainable development goals, particularly in innovation and digital transformation, and enhancing the capabilities of national human resources to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.The meeting was attended by several officials from the Ministry of Military Production and the authority.