Azerbaijan showcases growing defence ambitions at ADEX 2026

Azerbaijan showcases growing defence ambitions at ADEX 2026
Azersilah stand at the ADEX 2026, Baku, Azerbaijan, 30 September 2026.
Anewz

Azerbaijan has opened ADEX 2026 and Securex Caspian in Baku, bringing together defence, security and technology representatives from around the world for the three-day exhibitions.

The sixth Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026) and the 15th edition of Securex Caspian, an international exhibition focused on internal security, protection and rescue equipment, opened at the Baku Expo Center.

The three-day exhibitions are organised by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence Industry with the support of Caspian Event Organisers. Government officials, military representatives, diplomats, international organisations and delegations from numerous countries attended the opening ceremony.

A key moment at the opening was a message from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, delivered by Minister of Defence Industry Vüqar Mustafayev, outlining Azerbaijan's vision for its defence sector and the growing international role of ADEX.

ADEX grows in international importance
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva at the ADEX 2025 event in Baku, Azerbaijan, 30th September 2026.
Anewz

In his message, Aliyev said it was encouraging to see ADEX evolve into one of the most influential defence industry events in the wider region.

He said growing participation by countries and leading international companies demonstrated both the relevance and rising international standing of the exhibition.

According to the president, ADEX has become an important platform bringing together defence industry institutions, military specialists and private-sector companies from partner and friendly nations.

Aliyev said ADEX offers a platform to showcase modern military equipment, advanced defence technologies and innovative solutions, while creating opportunities for new partnerships and cooperation.

Defence industry remains a strategic priority
An exhibition at ADEX 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, 30 September 2026.
Anewz

Aliyev stressed that strengthening national security and defence capabilities remains a key element of Azerbaijan's state policy.

He said the country's defence industry has undergone significant development in recent years and has entered what he described as a “qualitatively new stage” characterised by expanded production capacity and technological advancement.

According to the president, products manufactured by Azerbaijani defence enterprises play an important role in supplying the country's armed forces and are attracting increased interest from international buyers.

Aliyev said growth in the sector had strengthened Azerbaijan's military-technical capabilities and helped expand cooperation with international partners.

Azerbaijani products gain international recognition

Aliyev also highlighted what he described as growing international recognition of Azerbaijani defence products.

He said locally produced systems are gaining recognition internationally for their quality and reliability, helping Azerbaijan establish a stronger position in the international defence market.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev inspecting an exhibition at the ADEX 2026 event in Baku, Azerbaijan, 30 September 2026.
Anewz

The president said ADEX provides an opportunity to present both the capabilities of Azerbaijan's defence industry and the latest developments from partner countries.

Displays at the exhibition include modern weapons systems, military hardware, technological innovations and new products developed by defence companies from around the world.

Securex Caspian marks fifteenth edition
An aerial drone exhibited at the ADEX 2026 event in Baku, Azerbaijan, 30 September 2026.
Anewz

Running alongside ADEX, Securex Caspian 2026 is marking its 15th edition.

Aliyev described Securex Caspian as one of the region's leading specialised events in public safety, emergency response, protection technology and rescue equipment.

The event brings together companies and organisations involved in security management, emergency services and disaster response, offering a platform to showcase advanced technologies and modern operational solutions.

Organisers expect the exhibition to support greater collaboration between industry leaders, government agencies and international partners working in public safety and emergency preparedness.

Platform for new partnerships

Aliyev expressed confidence that ADEX and Securex Caspian will strengthen military-technical cooperation and create new business opportunities for participants.

He said the exhibitions provide opportunities for participants to build contacts, identify potential areas of cooperation and pursue mutually beneficial partnerships across the defence and security sectors.

The president welcomed participants to Azerbaijan and wished the exhibitions success, expressing hope that the events would continue to contribute to regional and international cooperation.

Azerbaijan seeks bigger role in defence markets

The opening of ADEX 2026 comes as Azerbaijan seeks to expand its defence industrial base and develop higher-value technological sectors beyond its traditional energy industries.

By bringing together international defence manufacturers, policymakers and military specialists, Azerbaijani officials see ADEX as a showcase of domestic capabilities as well as a platform for future cooperation.

During the three-day event, discussions are expected to cover emerging defence technologies, industrial partnerships, innovation and the future of regional security cooperation.

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