Istanbul: The 17th International Defense Industry Fair 2025 (IDEF) in Istanbul attracts numerous global defense industry and technology firms and organizations from countries including China, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. The six-day event, which commenced on Tuesday, features participation from over 400 foreign defense and technology companies representing 44 nations.
According to Anadolu Agency, global firms from Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, China, South Africa, and Pakistan are showcasing their defense, aviation, and aerospace products in national pavilions at the event. Defense and aviation giants like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus have brought their products to the fair.
Turkish defense leaders such as Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Aselsan, Havelsan, Roketsan, FNSS, Otokar, and MKE are also participating. The exhibition features a land vehicles section displaying main battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, electronic warfare systems, tactical ballistic missiles, air defense missiles, rockets, guided missiles, and unmanned ground vehicles.
The air vehicles section includes fixed-wing platforms, electronic warfare technologies, air defense systems, satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and aircraft engines. The naval vehicles segment showcases combat and support ships, fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, unmanned surface and undersea vehicles, and command, control, and communication systems. Visitors can explore logistics and security technologies.
The defense fair is being held at various locations, including the Istanbul Fair Center, Ataturk Airport, Wow Hotel, and Atakoy Marina. Organized by KFA Fairs with support from Trkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB) and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, the event has Anadolu as its global communication partner. This year, IDEF 2025 hosts ministers, chiefs of staff, commanders, and top representatives from 103 countries, with stalls from 44 countries. The event features over 900 domestic and 400 international defense firms.