The International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), one of the world’s leading defence exhibitions, opened its doors in Istanbul, bringing together industry leaders, state delegations, and security experts from across the globe.
This year’s event serves as a platform for Türkiye and its partners to showcase cutting-edge technologies, sign international agreements, and strengthen strategic cooperation in the defence sector.
AnewZ journalist Nuray Mustafa attended IDEF 2025 and conducted exclusive interviews with top figures shaping the future of defence, including Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar, Roketsan CEO Murat İkinci, Katmerciler R&D Head Fahrettin Akpak, and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Selçuk Bayraktar to AnewZ: Turkish States Reshaping Global Defense
In an exclusive statement to AnewZ, Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar reaffirmed the company’s global leadership in unmanned systems. He highlighted the production of large-scale drones such as Bayraktar TB2, TB3, Akıncı, and Kızılelma, alongside advanced munitions and payload systems- all developed entirely in Türkiye.
Bayraktar emphasised the growing capabilities of Turkish states in the defence field, particularly Azerbaijan, where Baykar has established Bayraktar Technology Azerbaijan. “The team is composed of highly educated, world-class Azerbaijani engineers,” he said, noting that these engineers are now developing indigenous systems tailored for Azerbaijan’s needs.
He also revealed that the Akıncı drone was recently presented to President Ilham Aliyev, and that further details on Azerbaijan-made platforms would be announced when ready. Baykar expressed confidence in Azerbaijan’s contribution to the security of the broader Turkish world.
Roketsan CEO speaks to AnewZ at IDEF
Roketsan announced a new set of projects in ballistic missile and air defence technologies, describing them as essential for modern warfare and national security. Speaking to AnewZ, company representatives underlined Roketsan’s contribution to both Türkiye and its allied nations through high-impact systems designed to counter evolving threats.
At IDEF, Roketsan signed several international agreements, including strategic partnerships with countries aligned with Türkiye’s defence outlook. “IDEF is a platform where international collaborations are realised,” the company stated, reaffirming its commitment to driving joint innovation in the global defence ecosystem.
Katmerciler signs defense deal with Malaysia at IDEF
Turkish defence company Katmerciler signed a major international agreement with Malaysia for its newly developed ERIN vehicle- a 7-seater 4x4 model engineered entirely by the company's R&D centre, under the leadership of Fahrettin Akpak, Head of Katmerciler's R&D Department.
The ERIN is a more compact version of the Hüzer vehicle and features high-level mine and ballistic protection. It is designed to meet modern operational requirements with agility and safety.
Speaking to AnewZ, Katmerciler officials stated that they held numerous national and international meetings during IDEF. The Hüzer platform, which ranges from 9 to 14 seats, is already in active service in Türkiye and several friendly countries, with demand steadily increasing.
Key features of both the ERIN and Hüzer vehicles include independent suspension, high off-road adaptability, 4x4 capability, and automatic tyre pressure adjustment, enabling superior performance on sand and other challenging terrains. The automatic transmission offers a critical operational advantage, allowing the driver to remain fully focused even under threat.
Katmerciler reaffirmed its commitment to delivering robust, mission-ready solutions tailored to the needs of Türkiye and its allies.
Hakan Fidan praises Azerbaijan’s defence gains, urges swift progress on Zangezur Corridor
Speaking to AnewZ at IDEF, Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan extended warm greetings to Azerbaijan and expressed admiration for its achievements in the defence sector.
“I visited the Azerbaijan pavilion and observed significant progress in the production of modern weapon systems,” Turkish FM said. “There is strong and fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Turkish defence industry. I sincerely congratulate our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters and wish them continued success.”
Regarding the Zangezur Corridor, Turkish FM noted that President Ilham Aliyev and his team are working intensively: “We are in close consultation on this issue and hope to witness positive developments in the near future.”
IDEF 2025 has once again proven to be a vital platform for strategic defence cooperation, technological innovation, and regional partnership building, particularly among Turkish states and their global allies.
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U.S. first lady, Melania Trump chaired a UN Security Council meeting on children and education in conflict on Monday (2 March), a move criticised by Iran as hypocritical following U.S. and Israeli strikes that triggered a UN warning about risks to children.
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U.S. first lady, Melania Trump chaired a UN Security Council meeting on children and education in conflict on Monday (2 March), a move criticised by Iran as hypocritical following U.S. and Israeli strikes that triggered a UN warning about risks to children.
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