A show of strength from the defense at IDEF 2025

AYDIN HASAN - IDEF International Defense Industry Fair is one of the world's leading defense industry fairs. The fair is held every two years. IDEF 2025 , the 17th International Defense Industry Fair, will be held at the Istanbul Expo Center from July 22-27, 2025, hosted by the Ministry of National Defense, with the support of the Presidency of Defense Industries, under the management and responsibility of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, and organized by KFA Fair Organization Inc.

IDEF International Defense Industry Fair, attended by government and private sector officials from around the world and where new products and technologies meet with interested parties, welcomed 1,461 exhibitors from 54 countries and 94,198 professional visitors from 107 countries in 2023. In addition to exhibitors and visitors, the fair hosted 187 delegations from 78 countries and three international organizations, and 141 signing ceremonies were held to sign national and international agreements.

Participation from 96 countries

This year, the fair will once again bring together exhibitors and professional visitors from 96 countries across the globe. The fair stands out for its prestigious position among global defense industry fairs. Hosted by Türkiye, the international fair will once again bring together defense industry companies, military officials, experts, and other stakeholders in the defense industry, providing an opportunity to showcase innovative technologies and explore collaboration opportunities.

The first fair was held 32 years ago

The Turkish Armed Forces Foundation was established through the merger of the Land, Naval, and Air Forces Foundations, which had been established with donations from the Turkish people in the 1960s and 1970s, under Law No. 3388 on the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) dated June 17, 1987, and began operations on September 26, 1987. By decision of the TSKGV Board of Trustees, IDEF International Defense Industry Fairs began to be held every two years in odd years, starting in 1993.

Top three in the world

A total of 190 companies from 22 countries and 233 delegation members from 43 countries attended the first fair in 1993. IDEF 2023 became one of the world's top three defense industry fairs.

A thousand new products will be introduced

Over 120,000 professionals and 140,000 visitors are expected at the fair. The fair will host over 50 ministers and deputy ministers, over 45 chiefs of general staff, and over 200 delegations. Over 1,000 new products will be launched, and over 150 signing ceremonies will take place. More than 1,400 companies are expected to participate.

Provides a broad perspective

Held regularly since 1993, the fair provides a significant platform for promoting the latest developments, products, and technologies in the defense industry. The fair showcases a wide range of products and services, including naval, air, and land systems, military equipment, security equipment, weapons, ammunition, and defense electronics. Every two years, thousands of visitors attend IDEF to discover cutting-edge products, stay up-to-date on industry innovations, and explore collaboration opportunities. The fair brings together current and future innovations in the defense industry, offering a broad perspective for industry professionals and visitors.

It will be opened to the public

This year, as part of the IDEF 2025 17th International Defense Industry Fair, the fair was moved further into the city. This indirectly aims to promote Istanbul to international visitors and guests. The fair will include the Istanbul Fair Center, Atatürk Airport , Ataköy Marina , and the WOW Congress Center. Naval systems will be exhibited at the Marina Ataköy. IDEF has been extended from four to six days this year. Open to exhibitors and delegations, the fair will be open to visitors this year, albeit on a limited basis. Registered citizens will be able to visit the fair within a certain quota. Last year's exhibition area totaled 50,000 square meters, and this year's total area has increased to 70,000 square meters.

'Taking a leading role in the renewal of technology'

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler stated: “In today's world, where defense and security issues have become more crucial than ever due to multidimensional developments, the promotion and marketing of high-tech defense industry products both domestically and internationally is of great importance. In this context, IDEF, one of the world's leading promotional platforms, best meets these needs of participating countries and companies. The defense industry plays a leading role in the innovation and development of technology. In this context, the products and systems in the fields of defense, security, maritime, aviation, and space to be exhibited at IDEF 2025 will be important not only for the defense industry but also a source of inspiration for other fields of activity. It is also of particular importance that the contacts established at the fair between official delegations of friendly and allied countries, Turkish authorities, and domestic and foreign companies will contribute to regional and global peace.”

"They will examine the latest technologies on site"

Bilal Topçu, General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, said: “Our exhibition area, consisting of 11 thematic halls, will provide participating companies with the opportunity to exhibit their products in halls appropriate to their areas of activity. We will bring together delegations, institutions, and companies through the Meetings Platform (MEET@IDEF), an IDEF brand located within the exhibition area, paving the way for collaborations. Furthermore, our guests will have the opportunity to examine the latest technologies firsthand at the Trend Zone (DEF TRENDS) and Launch Zone (LAUNCH POINT). As part of our new exhibition concept, we have included Atatürk Airport in our event area. The IDEF 2025 Opening Ceremony, which will include a parade and air shows featuring domestic and national defense industry vehicles and platforms, will be held on the Atatürk Airport apron. Furthermore, the Land Vehicles Experience Area (LAND) and static open-air exhibition located on the apron will provide the opportunity to examine and experience defense industry products more closely.”