Istanbul: Officials from Azerbaijani defense firms participating in the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul praised Trkiye's defense sector and its strong relations with Azerbaijani companies, highlighting the distinct approach Turkish suppliers take toward their neighbor.
According to Anadolu Agency, ITX-Motors Group Defense Director Zafer Cetinkaya, speaking at Azerbaijan's national pavilion at IDEF 2025, emphasized the value for money found in Turkish products. "Of course, due to the close proximity between the two countries, Turkish suppliers approach Azerbaijan differently and provide greater convenience," he stated. Cetinkaya noted that Trkiye has advanced significantly in the automotive and defense industries since the 1970s. ITX has been developing armored vehicles, with one undergoing government testing in Azerbaijan for a month, and plans to deploy it with the armed forces by year-end.
Synapline CEO Bekir Guliyev introduced a newly developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the fair, highlighting its autonomous capabilities in GPS-free environments. Guliyev expressed motivation from the presence of Turkish companies like Baykar. It was Synapline's first participation in IDEF, which featured numerous Turkish companies across various sectors.
Bahruz Baghirov, Engineering Representative for RD Smart, emphasized the inspirational partnership between Azerbaijani and Turkish firms. RD Smart showcased five drones, including three kamikaze models, at the event. USH Group Chief Commercial Officer Mehdi Mehdiyev praised the fair's organization and turnout, showcasing the Turan-1, a 7.62x39 caliber platform developed in collaboration with a special operations unit.
Azerbaijani firms exhibited their defense, aviation, and aerospace technologies from their national pavilion. The six-day fair, hosted across venues such as the Istanbul Fair Center, Ataturk Airport, WOW Hotel, and Atakoy Marina, began on Tuesday. Organized by KFA Fairs with support from Trkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, Anadolu is the event's global communication partner. This year's fair includes participation from ministers, chiefs of staff, and representatives from 103 countries, with 44 countries having their own pavilions. Over 900 domestic and 400 international defense companies are participating.