From July 22 to 27, Turkey will display the full scope of its indigenous defense capabilities at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul. Prior to the event, the president of Defense Industries, Haluk Görgün, and general managers from leading Turkish defense firms met with the press to discuss their expectations and highlight key announcements.
Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün highlighted Turkey’s position as a global leader in electronic warfare. “We are working intensively as a technology army to produce all the defense systems our military needs, ensuring national security with local and national resources,” he stated.
Emphasizing Turkey’s broad presence across all defense domains, Görgün noted that ASELSAN has joined a European-NATO consortium to develop advanced air defense architectures, which he said is proof of Turkey’s growing technological prowess.
Görgün also pointed to Turkey’s leadership in land systems exports, noting that over 5,000 vehicles have been delivered to more than 50 countries. Görgün announced that three ALTAY main battle tanks will be delivered this year and that a new production facility will open in Ankara on a national holiday.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Görgün highlighted defense cooperation with allied nations and announced plans to appoint a defense industry advisor to Indonesia. He also revealed that billion-dollar contracts with both Pakistan and Indonesia are on the agenda.
ROKETSAN: Setting the Trend in Missiles
General Manager Murat Ikinci said that ROKETSAN aims to establish IDEF as a “trend-setting” defense platform. He announced the upcoming launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as air defense and air-to-air systems. Six new, world-class systems, developed through completed R&D efforts, will debut at IDEF 2025.
HAVELSAN: AI-Driven Defense Innovations
HAVELSAN General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar announced that the company will unveil its artificial intelligence vision under the slogan “Ready for the Future.” New developments include:
- An AI-integrated maintenance support assistant
- Man-unmanned hybrid simulation systems
- A next-generation e-maritime ship navigation platform
Visitors will also see demonstrations of VR-supported ALTAY tank simulators and mock-ups of the BAHA, BARKAN, and SANCAR systems.
ASELSAN: 50 Years of Innovation
ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol described IDEF as a platform that has transformed Turkey into a technology hub. In celebration of ASELSAN’s 50th anniversary, Akyol announced:
Three major launch events:
New products under the themes of “New Protectors of the Blue Homeland” and “New Stars of the Sky Homeland.”
Nearly 20 international cooperation agreements
Security at IDEF will be powered by ASELSAN cameras.
Suppliers exceeding $10 million in exports will be recognized.
TUSAŞ: Turkey’s Aerospace Powerhouse
TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu confirmed that the GÖKBEY, HÜRKUŞ, HÜRJET, and AKSUNGUR platforms will be on display at the exhibition. A new 10-ton-class helicopter will also be unveiled. Demiroğlu described TUSAŞ as a “supermarket of aviation” and highlighted significant international interest in the KAAN, ATAK, and HÜRJET programs. He confirmed that key contract signings will occur during the fair.
ASFAT: Building the Future of Defense
ASFAT General Manager Mustafa İlbaş called IDEF Turkey’s “defense industry showcase,” confirming the display of land, air, and naval systems, as well as modernization solutions. He underscored ASFAT’s role in shaping both the present and future of defense technology through upcoming agreements.
TEI: Powering National Aviation
TEI General Manager Mahmut Akşit emphasized IDEF’s role as a gateway to international markets. He announced the exhibition of the PD-170 engine, which broke altitude records with the AKSUNGUR
The PD-170 engine, which broke altitude records with the AKSUNGUR.
– TF-6000 jet engine
TEI will also pursue contracts for five international engine projects with fifteen organizations from seven countries.
MKE: Redefining Firepower
MKE Deputy General Manager Tolga Çelik announced that MKE will export naval guns for the first time and unveil its PIRANA unmanned naval vehicle at IDEF 2025. New weapon systems include:
– Semi-automatic sniper rifles
– Turret-integrated systems
; drone munitions; and kamikaze UAVs.
With the motto “Power Redefined — We’re Here to Break the Mold,” MKE will sign cooperation agreements on three continents, shifting from exporting products to providing comprehensive solutions.
