The 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) has concluded in Istanbul after six days of exhibitions, bilateral meetings, and high-level delegations from over 100 countries.
Held under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of National Defence with the support of the Presidency of Defence Industries, the event brought together more than 1,400 defense companies, including major players from Türkiye and abroad. Notable international participants included Lockheed Martin (USA), Leonardo (Italy), Airbus (Europe), the UAE pavilion led by EDGE, and the Saudi Arabia pavilion, which had the largest foreign presence.
Among the most prominent unveilings was the TAYFUN Block-4, a new hypersonic ballistic missile presented by Türkiye’s missile manufacturer Roketsan. The missile, revealed for the first time at IDEF, was one of six new systems the company introduced during the fair. Other platforms included the AKATA variant of the ATMACA missile, the GÖKBORA beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the EREN loitering munition, the 300 ER ballistic missile, and the Şimşek-2 satellite launch vehicle.
ASELSAN, one of Türkiye’s major defense electronics producers, showcased multiple new systems including EJDERHA, a next-generation anti-drone platform that uses microwave technology to neutralize small unmanned aerial vehicles. The company also introduced several other systems such as the GÖKTAN, KORAL 200, TURAN and GÜRZ air defense platforms, the ASELFLIR-600 electro-optical sensor, CENK 350-N naval radar, GÖKSUR VLS vertical launch system, and DERİNGÖZ autonomous underwater vehicles.
Another highlight was the unveiling of two new guided aircraft bombs developed by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence’s R&D Center—GAZAP and HAYALET. GAZAP, in particular, drew attention for its high fragmentation capability, dispersing 10,000 projectiles across a 1-kilometer radius.
STM exhibited a scale model of Türkiye’s first domestically designed fast attack craft. Designed for surface warfare, the vessel is intended for stealth deployment and long-range missile operations. STM also presented its VTOL tactical drone and the new KarguFPV loitering munition, featuring a shaped-charge warhead and fiber optic guidance.
BMC introduced three new land systems: the ZEYBEK family of tactical wheeled vehicles, the TURAN armored logistics carrier, and the ALTUĞ 8x8 with a 105 mm turret configuration.
On the aviation side, Baykar showcased the P.180 Avanti EVO, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft originally manufactured by Piaggio Aerospace. Branded the "Ferrari of the Skies," the aircraft was displayed in the static area of Atatürk Airport.
Meanwhile, TÜBİTAK SAGE presented the GÖKHAN air-to-air missile, featuring a ramjet engine developed under a national propulsion program launched in 2021.
HAVELSAN displayed a range of command and control systems, AI-supported decision-making platforms, manned-unmanned teaming technologies, and hybrid operational solutions.
A major announcement during the event was the signing of an export agreement between Türkiye and Indonesia for the sale of 48 KAAN fighter jets. The aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), represents Türkiye’s entry into the fifth-generation combat aircraft arena. Another notable development was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Türkiye and the United Kingdom regarding Türkiye’s potential acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
IDEF 2025 was also marked by expanded international attendance and a redesigned exhibition format. Bilal Topçu, Director General of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, noted that the event hosted 231 foreign delegations from 103 countries, including defense ministers and military chiefs.
A live demonstration during the opening ceremony featured synchronized displays of Turkish-made air defense systems, armored vehicles, unmanned systems, helicopters, and ships. Organizers described the event as a “commercial parade” designed to highlight Türkiye’s export-ready defense platforms.
Beyond large firms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also had a visible presence. A dedicated launch area allowed many of them to introduce new products, a point emphasized by Topçu: “Foreign visitors understood they can now confidently do business not only with our major defense companies but also with our SMEs.”
The next edition of IDEF is expected to build on this broader base of participation and growing international interest in Türkiye’s expanding defense sector.