The Indo Defence Expo & Forum, one of Southeast Asia’s largest defense industry events, opened its doors on June 11 at the Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO), bringing together over a thousand exhibitors from across the globe.
Held biennially, this year’s edition hosts 1,180 exhibitors from 42 countries, including 659 foreign companies and 521 Indonesian manufacturers. Originally scheduled for November 2024, the event was postponed twice due to political transitions following Indonesia’s general elections. The four-day event provides a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in defense technology, as well as for facilitating cooperation between governments, manufacturers, and research institutions.
While Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto formally inaugurated the exhibition, the focus remained squarely on the industry’s global dynamics and technological trends. With the theme “Defense Innovation for Global Peace and Stability,” the event emphasizes innovation not only in traditional defense systems but also in technologies with dual use and humanitarian applications.
Participating companies include major Indonesian defense firms such as PT Pindad, PT PAL Indonesia, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, and PT LEN Industri, which are displaying a mix of new platforms including electric tactical vehicles, unmanned systems, naval vessels, and integrated command technologies.
The international presence at Indo Defence is notable. Foreign delegations include defense ministers from Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Bosnia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste, alongside senior military officials from countries including Turkiye, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Italy, and Sri Lanka. Türkiye is represented by 32 companies, making it one of the most visible participants from outside Southeast Asia. Global industry leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, KNDS, L3Harris, Leonardo, KAI, LIG, MBDA, EDGE, NORINCO, Naval Group, and Safran are also present, highlighting the event’s growing relevance as a major international defense platform.Several foreign defense manufacturers are exhibiting key platforms, such as Russia’s Sukhoi-57 fighter, France’s Rafale, and radar systems from Türkiye’s Aselsan. The exhibition also includes systems designed for disaster relief and humanitarian missions, such as mobile hospitals and emergency communication equipment, reflecting a broadened interpretation of security needs in the region.
INDO DEFENCE 2022The event held in 2022 hosted 222 official delegations from 33 countries, while 905 companies from 59 countries showcased their products at the exhibition. The fair attracted 36,806 visitors from 72 different countries.
