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Türkiye launched one of the world's largest defense industry exhibitions Tuesday, bringing together military officials and defense contractors from dozens of countries as the nation showcases its growing role in global arms manufacturing.
The 17th International Defense Industry Fair opened across four venues in Istanbul, including the Istanbul Fair Center, Ataturk Airport, Atakoy Marina, and WOW Congress Center. The six-day event, running until July 27, is expected to draw unprecedented participation, with ministers from 33 countries and more than 120 deputy ministers, chiefs of staff, and force commanders attending as delegation leaders.
Companies from 44 nations are displaying their latest military technologies, with over 400 international firms participating in this year's exhibition. The sprawling display spans land, air, and naval defense systems, featuring main battle tanks, electronic warfare systems, guided missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, naval combat ships, and advanced command and control systems.
The Ministry of National Defense is hosting the event, with support from the Presidency's Defense Industries Secretariat and under the management of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation. KFA Fair Company serves as the organizer, with Anadolu Agency as the global communications partner.
The fair's land vehicles section features an extensive array of equipment, including main battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, electronic warfare systems, rockets and guided missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, air defense missiles, and unmanned ground vehicles.
The aviation section displays fixed-wing platforms, air defense systems, electronic warfare technologies, satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and aircraft engines. Naval technology exhibits include combat and support ships, fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, plus sophisticated command, control, and communication systems.
Visitors can also explore cutting-edge security and logistics technologies, representing the full spectrum of modern defense capabilities.
"Countries and end-users will discuss their needs here and sign agreements and contracts," said Haluk Gorgun, president of Türkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat, emphasizing the fair's role as a major international business platform.
Gorgun noted that over 5,000 meetings were organized at the previous fair and expects even more this year. "We are ready for a packed fair," he said, highlighting the event's growing commercial significance.
This year's event includes several notable expansions from previous editions. Organizers extended the fair by two days and will open it to the public over the final weekend, Saturday and Sunday, for defense enthusiasts and the general public interested in military technology.
The event will also feature enhanced networking opportunities, including a Network Summit on its third day, designed to facilitate business connections in a more relaxed social setting away from the exhibition floor's bustle.
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