BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The military industry in our country has witnessed significant advancements and developments, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing national competencies. These advancements have resulted in remarkable achievements across various components of the military industry, leading to the production of diverse and high-quality products. These products not only cater to the needs of the People’s National Army but also contribute to the national economy, reducing unemployment rates, curbing the import bill, and promoting national inclusion.
In line with these endeavors, the Ministry of National Defense is actively participating in the fifty-fourth edition of the Algiers’ International Fair, which commenced its activities at the Exhibition Palace in Algiers. The fair provides a platform for various production units affiliated with the People’s National Army to contribute to the development and promotion of the national product.
This edition of the exhibition witnessed the participation of 19 production units representing the Air Force Command, Naval Forces Command, Signal and Command and Control Systems Department, Central Directorate of Equipment, Directorate of Military Industries at the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Institute for Maps and Remote Detection.
Visitors to the exhibition were impressed by the high level of the military industry and expressed their admiration for the diverse branches and specializations it encompasses. The visitors acknowledged the importance of promoting and developing the military industry to ensure self-manufacturing of quality equipment and contribute to the needs of the People’s National Army.
During the opening of the exhibition, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune highlighted Algeria’s progress in the field of military industry. He specifically emphasized the need to increase the rate of national industrial integration, particularly in areas such as the mechanical industry, armored vehicles, engines, control systems, and weapons. President Tebboune expressed his pride in Algeria’s achievements in the military industry and acknowledged the efforts of the People’s National Army in upholding the legacy of the Liberation Army.
The Ministry of National Defense has made it a priority to develop local military industries, as confirmed by Lieutenant General Saïd Chanegriha, the Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army. During a visit to the Public Economic Company – Foundries of Rouiba, which has been integrated into the economic sector of the People’s National Army, Lieutenant General Chanegriha emphasized the ministry’s focus on developing local military industries based on localization, technology transfer, and diversification of activities. This strategic approach aims to strengthen the military industrial base and revitalize the country’s industrial fabric while creating employment opportunities and promoting national integration.
One of the participating institutions at the Algiers International Exhibition is the Automotive Industry Development Corporation in Tiaret. This public corporation operates under the Directorate of Military Industries at the Ministry of National Defense. The corporation specializes in the production of quality products for the automotive industry, contributing to the development of the sector.
These vehicles, both heavy and light, cater to the requirements of public and private economic institutions, as well as individuals. The institution’s primary objective is to meet the transportation needs of the People’s National Army while also supporting other sectors.
The corporation highlighted its commitment to local production and the utilization of Algerian expertise. Captain Aliti Samir, a representative of the company, emphasized the significance of their products, which featured special specifications and locally developed technologies. Notable offerings included a mobile laboratory for analysis, an ambulance designed for patient transportation, and a refrigerated semi-trailer with hybrid engine technology and advanced braking systems. These products represent the corporation’s dedication to producing high-quality vehicles using locally sourced components and original spare parts.
In this vein, Mariem Benzayan, the Sales and Marketing Development Officer at the company, said, ” We showcase an extensive range of trucks and vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz. One of our highlighted offerings is the tractor truck, which is specifically designed for professionals and private individuals. This top-of-the-line vehicle is currently available for purchase at a highly competitive price of 18,300,000 Algerian Dinar (DZD). Interested customers can find our sales outlets located in Rouiba and Tiaret”. And to add: “It’s important to note that while some vehicles are readily available for immediate delivery, there are others that require a production lead time ranging from one to four months. This allows us to ensure that the vehicles are built to the highest standards and tailored to meet the specific requirements of our esteemed customers.”
For his part, the Director General of the National Establishment for the Development of the Automotive Industry, Colonel Mohamed Bourahla, emphasized the establishment of four public companies and the creation of 11 units strategically located across the nation to ensure accessibility for citizens in terms of sales and after-sale service provision.
Highlighting the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, he further expressed the companies’ interest in collaborating with agents, particularly in the realm of auto parts. The goal behind such partnerships is to enhance the overall quality of services offered, underscoring their dedication to continuous improvement and meeting the evolving needs of their clientele.
Ouchia Fadila, the Commercial and After-sales Services’ Director at the company, enthusiastically highlighted the exceptional offers. She emphasized the importance of her company’s comprehensive after-sales services, ensuring that customers receive the utmost care and support even after their purchase. Fadila warmly invited all citizens to visit the fair, where they would have the opportunity to interact with the company’s knowledgeable agents and gain firsthand knowledge of their exceptional products.
Corporation for the Realization of Video Surveillance Systems: Enhancing National Security
The Corporation for the Realization of Video Surveillance Systems, another public corporation under the Directorate of Military Industries, showcases its expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining integrated security systems. Their focus lies in securing national institutions, industrial sites, and public spaces through advanced technologies.
Captain Kahhal Muhammad Al-Hadi, a representative of the corporation, highlighted their completed projects, including securing major cities such as Algiers, Blida, Annaba, Constantine, Oran, and Ghardaia. Additionally, the corporation played a crucial role in securing industrial sites for Sonatrach, as well as prominent landmarks like the Grand Mosque of Algiers. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the corporation supplied various sites with temperature measurement systems for early detection and implemented electronic ticket systems for stadiums, simplifying ticket sales through online platforms.
The institution prides itself on employing the latest surveillance camera technologies while harnessing Algerian competencies and expertise. Their continuous commitment to development ensures that national security is enhanced through effective surveillance systems.
Mechanical Buildings Corporation: Innovations in the Mechanical Industry
The Mechanical Buildings Corporation, a public corporation affiliated with the Directorate of Military Industries, is participating in the Algiers’ International Exhibition to showcase its wide array of products and technical services. With a focus on the mechanical industry, the corporation specializes in manufacturing spare parts, production tools, and measurement and quality control instruments.
Lieutenant Colonel Bahri Abdel Wahhab, a representative of the corporation, emphasized the company’s dedication to introducing new products and providing technical support in the handling and mechanical industry sectors. Noteworthy innovations included the production of the 12.7 mm machine gun and the 7.62 mm machine gun, both utilized in armored vehicles. The corporation also highlighted ongoing projects, such as the development of hunting rifles and semi-automatic 12-caliber pump guns.
Renewal and Maintenance of Various Types of Weapons and Mechanical Systems
In the field of military technology, the renewal and maintenance of weapons and mechanical systems play a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of armed forces. At the exhibition, several institutions showcase their expertise in these areas, highlighting their capabilities in maintaining and upgrading weapons, electronic systems, vehicles, and engines. These institutions are dedicated to providing specialized technical assistance, developing advanced technologies, and keeping pace with modern advancements in order to meet the demanding requirements of the armed forces.
One of the prominent institutions at the exhibition is the institution for the renewal and maintenance of weapons and electronic systems in Boufarik. Lieutenant Colonel Al-Ayeb Abdul Karim, a representative of the institution, explained that their primary tasks encompass the renewal and maintenance of weapons of various calibers. This includes small, medium, and large-caliber weapons, which are serviced both at the institution level and across all units of the People’s National Army.
Additionally, the institution is responsible for maintaining the readiness of various optical equipment such as night vision devices, day vision devices, and distance measuring devices. They also handle topographic equipment, electro-optical equipment, electronic means, radars, detectors, and other essential military systems. These maintenance operations are conducted according to specific standards to ensure optimal performance.
Lieutenant Colonel Al-Ayeb Abdel-Karim emphasized that the technicians employed by the People’s National Army possess extensive experience in the field, enabling them to carry out the renewal and maintenance tasks with precision and efficiency. Furthermore, the institution has specialized rooms, known as white rooms and gray rooms, for repairing optical equipment. These controlled environments provide the necessary conditions for sensitive repairs and ensure the equipment’s reliability.
Another institution that is participating in the exhibition is the Mechanical Industry Promotion Complex. This public institution, affiliated with the Military Industries Directorate of the Ministry of National Defense, focuses on the manufacturing of armored vehicles, engines, and various mechanical parts. Lieutenant Colonel Shita Abdullah, a representative of the complex, elaborated on their operations and capabilities.
The Mechanical Industry Promotion Complex comprises eight branches and an institute for training in vehicle and engine technologies. Two branches are dedicated to the vehicle industry, two to the engine industry, and there are separate foundries in Rouiba and Tiaret. Additionally, two institutions specialize in the manufacture of various mechanical parts using advanced technologies.
The primary objectives of the complex include ensuring the solidarity and integration of the national mechanical industry, developing and upgrading the mechanical industry, managing partnerships, and manufacturing vehicles and engines tailored to the specific needs of the Ministry of National Defense. They are also involved in the design, development, and adaptation of systems to be installed on vehicles, as well as the utilization of human resources and technologies available in various branches.
The Mechanical Industry Promotion Complex oversees its subsidiaries and shareholding institutions, such as the Algerian company for the manufacture of special vehicles, Rheinmetall Algeria. Other notable entities include the Algerian company for the manufacture of light armored vehicles, Nimr Al Jazayer, which specializes in the production of four-wheel and six-wheel drive vehicles. The national company for the manufacture of German-branded engines produces and markets water-cooled diesel engines made of cast iron and steel. Additionally, the public economic corporation, Tiaret Castings, focuses on the production of rough castings of cast iron and steel.
Furthermore, the General Economic and Mechanical Industries Corporation of Ain Smara and the Economic Corporation for the Mechanical Industries Rouiba are instrumental in ensuring efficiency in the mechanical parts industry. The General Economic Corporation is particularly engaged in the production of air-cooled engines, while the Institute of Training in Vehicle and Engine Technologies offers high-level training to enhance the skills of workers involved in the manufacturing process.
The corporation has established the Institute of Training in Vehicle and Engine Technologies, which serves as a dedicated facility to provide comprehensive training in the manufacturing of mechanical parts, as well as vehicle and engine technologies. The primary objective of this institute is to ensure that individuals receive top-notch training and remain updated with the latest advancements in the industry.
Recognizing the importance of staying abreast of modern technology, the General Economic Corporation places significant emphasis on continuous training and development. The representative of the corporation emphasized that as each new vehicle is manufactured, it incorporates development and modernization to align with the latest technological advancements. In addition to incorporating technological upgrades into their products, the corporation also places a strong emphasis on training its workforce. The Training Institute plays a vital role in providing the best training programs for the workers, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills to operate and maintain the advanced machinery and equipment. Furthermore, the corporation encourages periodic re-training for its workers to ensure they remain updated with the rapid pace of development in modern technology.
