IDEF 2027 – the 18th International Defense Industry Fair – will take place at the Istanbul Fair Center from May 3 to 9, 2027, bringing together leading actors from the global defense and security ecosystem.
The event is expected to highlight Turkey’s expanding strategic role in defense production, exports, and international cooperation.
Hosted by Türkiye’s Key Defense Institutions
IDEF 2027 will be:
- Hosted by the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey
- Supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB)
- Managed and supervised by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV)
- Organized by KFA Fuarcılık A.Ş.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prominent defense exhibitions, IDEF convenes government officials, military and civilian delegations, procurement authorities, defense contractors, and technology developers under one roof.
Focus on Strategic Partnerships and Export Growth
The fair will showcase advanced defense and security technologies across:
- Land systems
- Naval platforms
- Air and aerospace systems
- Emerging technologies and integrated defense solutions
Beyond product displays, IDEF 2027 aims to strengthen strategic partnerships, expand export opportunities, and deepen sectoral knowledge exchange.
Panels, seminars, signing ceremonies, and product launches will facilitate direct engagement between industry stakeholders and decision-makers.
Record-Breaking IDEF 2025 Sets the Stage
IDEF 2025 underscored the exhibition’s global reach:
- 1,491 companies from 49 countries
- 229 official delegations representing 100 countries and international organizations
- More than 120,000 visitors from 114 countries
These figures reinforced IDEF’s position as a strategic meeting point in the global defense industry calendar.
Organizers aim to build on this momentum in 2027 by expanding participation and deepening international cooperation.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) has assumed overall management and responsibility for IDEF 2027, while KFA Fuarcılık A.Ş. will oversee operational execution.
Under the leadership of General Manager Bilal Topçu, preparations are underway to ensure coordination across government institutions, defense companies, and international stakeholders.
The objective is to position Istanbul once again as a global hub for defense diplomacy, industrial cooperation, and high-technology innovation.
