'IDEF has become a global focus of attention': Turkish Armed Forces Foundation general manager

ISTANBUL

The International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul, showcasing indigenous products, has become a global focus of attention, according to the general manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV).

“The most important indicator of this is that the participation of foreign delegations in our fair has reached record levels,” said Bilal Topcu.

The 17th edition of the six-day defense fair, which opened Tuesday, is being held simultaneously at the Istanbul Fair Center, Ataturk Airport, Wow Hotel and Atakoy Marina.

The event, organized by KFA Fairs with support from Türkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB) and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, has Anadolu as its global communication partner.

This year's event is hosting ministers, chiefs of staff, commanders and top representatives from 103 countries, with 44 countries opening stalls.

The event is also hosting more than 900 domestic and 400 foreign defense firms.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Topcu said IDEF is exhibiting products which show Türkiye's success in the defense field in the global arena.

Mentioning the first edition of the fair in 1993, he said it was a modest event but has become a source of pride for the Turkish defense industry.

- IDEF serves as strategic platform

Haluk Gorgun, the president of the SSB, said IDEF is not just an area where products are exhibited; it is also a strategic platform where ideas come together, technologies are discussed and cooperation agreements are signed.

He said that today, homegrown products developed and manufactured by the Turkish defense industry are successfully used by the Turkish Armed Forces and security forces in counterterrorism operations and in domestic and international operations.

"The progress made by the Turkish defense industry in recent years has ensured that our companies' platforms, systems and capabilities are in demand in foreign markets in many areas," he added.

Gorgun stressed that the indigenousness rate in the defense industry of Türkiye, which was at 20% in the past, now reached 80%.

“The number of countries to which we export our defense industry products has reached 185. The variety of products exported, including UAVs, ground vehicles and naval platforms, has reached 230, and Turkish defense industry products have begun to take center stage in the global arena,” he said.

- IDEF 2025 designed to contribute to world peace

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler said “it is a fact that our defense industry's domestic, national, original, innovative and modern systems add strength to our glorious army while making significant contributions to our economy and strengthening our country's influence in the international arena.”

He said that in today's world, where developments in the field of security have become more complex and ambiguous, having modern and powerful armed forces and an advanced defense industry is one of the most critical tools for establishing lasting peace and stability.

Guler said the defense industry is at the forefront of the areas in which these relations are being developed.

"Essentially, in the current security environment, countries are trying to solve global and regional problems not with their own capacities, but rather through partnerships and cooperation with international organizations,” he said.

"IDEF also stands out as a major platform that brings together countries and defense industry companies that seek to contribute to global peace and embrace the concept of partnership."

Explaining that this year's IDEF organization was designed to contribute to world peace by showcasing and sharing the capabilities of participating countries and companies, he said the main goal was to bring producers and customers together in the same environment.