Defense summit IDEF 2025 concludes with defense contracts totaling $9 billion
Turkey's defense industry has experienced rapid growth and significant transformation, as showcased at the IDEF 2025 Fair. The fair, held at the Istanbul Expo Center last week, highlighted Turkey's evolution from an import-dependent country to a major global defense exporter, now ranked as the 11th largest arms exporter worldwide between 2020 and 2024, with a growth rate of 103% in arms exports[1].
Organized by KFA Fuarcılık, hosted by the Defense Ministry, and supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), IDEF 2025 brought together 1,491 companies and representatives from 103 countries[2]. More than 120,000 visitors attended the fair, making it one of the world’s largest defense fairs[3].
The fair showcased the engineering capabilities and export-oriented vision of Turkey's defense industry. Over 1,100 products were exhibited, including 26 newly developed defense systems that span land, air, sea, and space domains[2][3][4]. These advancements were evident in autonomous systems, aerospace, missile systems, UAVs, armored vehicles, naval technologies, and command and control solutions[2][3][4].
Significant strategic projects under development include the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet and the SIPER air-defense system, which aim to reduce remaining foreign dependency, particularly in fighter jets and air defense[1]. Currently, Turkey meets over 80% of its defense needs with domestically produced goods, a dramatic increase from only 20% initially[1].
The defense industry has shifted from simply reducing foreign dependence to becoming a key geopolitical asset supporting Turkish foreign policy and international security cooperation. Turkey's defense exports now reach over 170 countries, reflecting its emergence as a reliable and innovative defense supplier with globally deployed equipment such as the Bayraktar TB2 UAV, Anka-S UAV, Altay main battle tank, and Hisar air defense series[3].
The overall project budget grew from approximately $5.5 billion in 2002 to over $100 billion in 2024, including ongoing procurement processes[5]. Exports in Turkey's defense sector surged from $248 million in 2002 to $7.154 billion in 2024, marking a 29-fold increase[6]. Between 2002 and 2024, the defense and aerospace sector in Turkey experienced a 17-fold increase in the number of active defense projects, rising from 62 to over 1,100[6].
In summary, IDEF 2025 underscored Turkey's transformation into a major, export-oriented defense industry with a broad portfolio of advanced indigenous military technologies, substantial international collaborations, and ambitious future projects reinforcing its strategic autonomy and global presence. The fair itself served as both a milestone of achievement and a platform for unveiling next-generation systems that consolidate Turkey’s role as a leading defense sector actor[1][2][3][4][5][6].
[1] Anadolu Agency
[2] Daily Sabah
[3] Defense News
[4] Trend News Agency
[5] Defense News
[6] Anadolu Agency
The defense industry in Turkey, showcased at IDEF 2025, has evolved from an import-dependent country to a major global defense exporter, financing its growth through a significant increase in arms exports and a surge in defense projects. The industry's expansion is supported by strategic projects like the KAAN fighter jet and the SIPER air-defense system, aimed at reducing foreign dependence in fighter jets and air defense, and boosting self-sufficiency.
