The International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), one of the largest and most significant defense exhibitions in Eurasia, was held at Istanbul’s World Trade Center (DTM) between July 22 and 26. Spread across 11 halls, the event hosted over 1,000 companies and official delegations from more than 50 countries. I had the opportunity to attend the exhibition, explore the stands, and observe firsthand the technological and strategic advancements on display.
This year’s standout participants included countries currently involved in armed conflicts. Ukraine presented a wide range of defense platforms developed in response to its ongoing war with Russia. From electronic warfare systems to armored vehicles and tactical drones, Ukrainian companies showcased battle-tested technologies with clear operational value[^1].
Pakistan, another prominent exhibitor, featured a variety of indigenously developed armored vehicles, missiles, and unmanned aerial platforms. Delegations from Islamabad highlighted ongoing bilateral defense projects with Türkiye and emphasized the potential for expanded industrial cooperation[^2].
IDEF 2025 served as a key venue for showcasing Türkiye’s growing self-sufficiency and innovation in the defense sector. Major players such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, and TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace) were prominently represented, alongside dozens of SMEs and startups operating from technoparks across the country.
Highlights included:
* ASELSAN’s AI-supported target acquisition systems and electronic warfare suites.
* ROKETSAN’s new short- and mid-range missile family and tactical rocket solutions.
* TUSAŞ’s mock-ups and videos of the HÜRJET jet trainer and new-generation UCAVs.
* HAVELSAN’s military training simulators and cyber defense systems[^3].
Emerging technologies such as counter-drone laser systems, mobile radar platforms, jamming/deception devices, and AI-integrated command-and-control software were widely demonstrated. The diversity and maturity of these systems indicate the industry’s rapid progress beyond conventional platforms.
IDEF 2025 also drew significant interest from foreign military delegations, particularly from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. I observed generals and procurement officers closely examining Turkish-made systems, often engaging directly with manufacturers and engineers on technical specifications.
Turkish UAVs and loitering munitions in particular attracted notable attention. For many developing nations, these systems offer a cost-effective alternative to more expensive Western platforms[^4].
While NATO delegations were present, so too were representatives from non-aligned or rival blocs, underscoring Türkiye’s evolving role as a multi-directional defense partner in an increasingly multipolar world.
IDEF 2025 was more than a trade fair; it was a convergence point for current battlefield realities and future-oriented defense visions. The exhibition illustrated how nations adapt and innovate under pressure, and how Türkiye is positioning itself as a capable and competitive defense hub.
The fair offered invaluable insights for industry professionals, policymakers, and engineers alike. In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, such events are essential not only for procurement and partnership but also for strategic alignment and knowledge exchange.
References:
[^1]: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, IDEF 2025 Press Briefing, July 23, 2025.
[^2]: Pakistan Military Liaison Office, “Türkiye-Pakistan Defense Cooperation Agenda,” July 2025.
[^3]: Official Press Releases of ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, and TUSAŞ, IDEF 2025.
