MESSAGE FROM THE UNDERSECRETARY OF TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRIES PROF. DR. HALUK GÖRGÜN ON IDEF 2025
Today, Türkiye’s defense industry—comprising main contractors, subcontractors, SMEs, research institutions, and universities—has evolved into one of the country’s most vital sectors. As a result of the efforts we have carried out in the areas of defense system procurement and strategic guidance of the industry, our defense products and services are successfully delivered both to our heroic security forces and to the armed forces of friendly and allied countries with whom we have strategic partnerships across different geographies.
Our indigenous and national products are actively used in counter-terrorism operations and military missions both at home and abroad. The remarkable development of the Turkish defense industry in recent years has led to growing international demand for our platforms, systems, and technological capabilities. Thanks to policies implemented since 2002, the localization rate in our defense sector has increased from around 20% to over 80% today. Over the past five years, our defense exports have grown by an average of 20% annually.
Currently, the number of countries importing our defense products has reached 185, while the variety of exported products—including UAVs, UCAVs, land vehicles, and naval platforms—has expanded to 230. Turkish defense products have secured a prominent place in the global arena. To ensure this momentum is sustained, the international cooperation activities we will carry out at IDEF will be of great significance.
IDEF is recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious defense industry exhibitions. High-level representatives from both public and private sectors across the globe regularly participate in the event. To illustrate its scale, IDEF 2023 welcomed 1,461 exhibiting companies from 54 countries, making it one of the top three defense industry exhibitions worldwide. The event hosted 738 delegates from 187 official delegations, leading to 5,397 planned meetings and 141 signature ceremonies. With 94,198 visitors from 107 countries, IDEF 2023 firmly established its standing among international defense exhibitions. Furthermore, several of the products showcased for the first time at IDEF 2023 were inducted into inventories or exported shortly thereafter—demonstrating the strength of the exhibition.
This year, IDEF 2025 will take place from July 22 to 27 at the Istanbul Expo Center and will serve as a strategic platform bringing together all elements of the defense ecosystem. In addition to the main venue, various events will be organized at Atatürk Airport and the Marina. The latest technologies in land, air, and naval platforms, as well as advanced defense systems and innovative solutions, will be exhibited. Air shows at Atatürk Airport will contribute to a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Panels, B2B meetings, product launches, signature ceremonies, youth-focused activities, and networking events involving international defense companies and delegations will highlight emerging trends in the industry.
IDEF 2025 will be held in a newly designed and more modern venue with expanded square footage, including Atatürk Airport’s C Terminal, with WOW Hotel and Ataköy Marina also hosting key events. The location, offering easy access and transportation, will enhance the experience for all participants.
The indoor space at Atatürk Airport will be used for exhibition booths, while the outdoor area will host the Opening Ceremony, static displays, and air shows, making the event even more vibrant. Additionally, for the first time, IDEF will extend its duration from 4 to 6 days. This updated concept will enable more business meetings, increase visitor numbers, allow more signature ceremonies, and most importantly, provide an opportunity for our citizens—the true strength of the Turkish Armed Forces—to pre-register and witness our indigenous and national products showcased on an international stage.
This approach will further strengthen Türkiye’s innovative stance in defense and enhance international collaboration. IDEF 2025 will underscore both the global role of the defense industry and Türkiye’s leadership in the field.
Guided by a strong and visionary Türkiye, we are also committed to supporting the development of friendly nations, particularly those with limited access to advanced technologies. We believe that sustainable peace in our region depends on this very principle.
In other words, by offering cutting-edge Turkish engineering solutions to these nations, we not only generate high value-added export and production opportunities for our country but also democratize access to technology, fostering lasting peace in our region. We are also ready to share our accumulated knowledge and innovative capacity with friendly and allied countries, to co-develop and co-produce, and to serve as solution partners.
Under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, IDEF 2025—the 17th International Defense Industry Fair—aims to bring together leading companies in defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and space sectors, including SMEs, to explore new markets, identify business opportunities, and form partnerships. With record-breaking expectations in visitor numbers, official delegations, exhibitors, and signature ceremonies, we are determined to combine our experience and success with our new concept. We expect IDEF 2025 to reach new heights in its international impact, befitting its name and mission.
We believe the high-level meetings with invited national authorities will offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen ongoing collaborations and pave the way for new partnerships and joint initiatives. We take pride in showcasing to the world our defense platforms and products—proven on the field and successfully exported to many nations—at IDEF 2025.
We hope that the 17th International Defense Industry Fair, IDEF 2025, will be a resounding success for our country and wish all participants a productive and rewarding experience.
Prof. Dr. Haluk GÖRGÜN
Undersecretary of Defence Industries
