Together with its prime contractors, subcontractors, SMEs, research institutions and universities, the Turkish defence industry has become one of the most important sectors in our country. Today, land, air and naval vehicles, command and control, electronic warfare, fire control, communication and surveillance systems and specifically guided weapons are produced by Turkish defence industry companies and are designed through national means and offered to the service of our armed forces.

At present, Turkey is capable of cooperating with friendly and allied nations, as well as meeting the needs of our country. In this context, Turkey is exporting armoured vehicles, air defence systems, rocket systems, simulators, coast guard vessels, military communication systems, command and control systems and software to many countries around the world.

The defence industry is in a strategically important position in terms of policy and economy. Through its international cooperation and export-related efforts, the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) promotes the capabilities of the Turkish defence and aerospace sector, while also forging collaborations with allied countries. The defence industry collaborations built with allied nations benefit in reinforcing Turkey’s existing political relations.

The development witnessed by the Turkish defence industry has created demand for the platforms, systems and capabilities of our Turkish companies in foreign markets. In order to ensure the continuity of this demand, international collaborations that are built at IDEF will be highly beneficial.

IDEF stands out as one of the world’s most prestigious defence exhibitions. Top-ranking state officials and private sector officials from all over the world will participate in IDEF. To better understand IDEF’s scope, figures from the previous exhibition provide a clear indication of the volume and variety of participants: IDEF’17 attracted 820 companies from 50 countries, and we saw participation by 133 delegations consisting of 637 members, arriving from 67 countries and two international organizations. Throughout the exhibition, several bilateral meetings were held, as well as signing ceremonies aimed at building new collaborations in the defence industry. With this event, our institution provides the opportunity to exchange views with representatives of visiting countries regarding current and potential projects.

Executed under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, IDEF ‘19 is aimed to execute the same successful performance and provide extensive opportunities as with the previous exhibitions. IDEF ‘19 will host the manufacturers of platforms, systems and materials in the defence, security, naval, aerial and space industry sectors. To promote their potential and capabilities, all kinds of means will be provided to the participating companies, and notably our Turkish companies will have the opportunity to exhibit the platforms and systems they manufacture rather than models. 

The Presidency of Defence Industries has invited over 90 delegations from more than 60 countries to IDEF’19 and meetings at the highest levels are planned with officials from the invited countries. In this context, the IDEF’19 exhibition is also considered to be important platform through which review and examination of collaborative activities occurs, it is an opportunity to build engagement with various countries on existing and future defence industry projects. 

Benefitting from the logistical and cost-benefit advantages offered by the IDEF exhibition, our Turkish defence industry companies will find the opportunity to comprehensively showcase their potential and capabilities. Especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), IDEF represents a valuable platform from which they can introduce themselves to the international arena.

Every form of support that our sector might require during the exhibition shall be provided by the Presidency for Defence Industries and the relevant authorities. In this regard, we hold regular meetings with the sector’s representatives and coordinate in order to enhance the effectiveness of the exhibition.

Last, but not least, I would like to express my wish for the successful execution of IDEF’19, and I hope that all participants will experience a beneficial and fruitful event.