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Turkiye hosted its largest and most prestigious defense exhibition, International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025, unveiling the country’s latest advancements in defense technology and expanding international defense cooperation.

Held across multiple venues in Istanbul, including the Istanbul Fair Center, Atatürk Airport, WOW Hotel, and Atakoy Marina, the six-day event (July 22 to 27) hosted over 1,300 defense firms from around the world, with delegates from 103 countries, including ministers, military chiefs, and international buyers.

Among the major highlights of IDEF 2025 were the debut of Göktan, a groundbreaking ground-based precision strike system developed by Aselsan, and Turkiye’s first hypersonic missile, the Tayfun Block-4, produced by Roketsan. Designed to meet the demands of modern multi-domain combat, these platforms underscores Turkiye’s growing emphasis on high-tech, autonomous, and adaptable weapon systems.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially inaugurated the 17th IDEF on July 22, and delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing his country’s progress toward defense self-reliance and technological independence. Erdogan, speaking at the Istanbul Fair Center, described IDEF as “one of the world’s three largest and most influential defense fairs.”

17’nci Uluslararası Savunma Sanayii Fuarımızın ülkelerimiz, sektörlerimiz ve firmalarımız için hayırlar getirmesini diliyorum.

Fuar kapsamında atılacak imzaların, yeni anlaşma ve iş birliklerinin aramızdaki ilişkilere somut katkılar yapmasını temenni ediyorum.… pic.twitter.com/slb3mECgHv

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) July 22, 2025

He said, “Today, we are witnessing not only the development of Turkish defense industry, but also a nation’s march toward independence— we see the story of a country rising in its own sky with its own wings.”

Erdogan further highlighted that Turkey is one “the three leading countries in the world in UAV and UCAV technology. Last year, Turkish companies supplied 65 of every 100 UAVs sold globally.”

Turkiye’s defense industry is on track to exceed $8 billion in exports in 2025, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said, signaling a new record in outbound sales. The surge reflects a broader shift toward indigenous air, land, and naval platforms developed in response to past export restrictions.

Organized by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) since 1993, IDEF serves as a premier platform for showcasing the latest advancements in defense, security, naval, aerospace, and space technologies.

Goktan ground-based strike system

Aselsan’s newly introduced Göktan system was the major highlight of this year’s defense exhibition, marking a significant leap in Turkiye’s surface-to-surface strike capabilities. Engineered to operate under all weather and lighting conditions, Göktan is built around the Tolun-S munition, an advanced 250 lb. precision weapon integrated with a propulsion system and INS/GNSS guidance.

What sets the system apart is its 360-degree engagement capability, allowing strikes deep into enemy territory without exposing aircraft to hostile air defenses. Upon launch, the Tolun-S munition detaches from its propulsion module at optimal altitude and follows a pre-programmed flight path through multiple waypoints, culminating in a precision strike at the designated impact angle.

Aselsan said that the system is adaptable for both mobile and fixed platforms, emphasizing operational flexibility and rapid deployment in fast-changing battle environments. It is designed to be low-maintenance and easy to operate, ideal for high-intensity and time-sensitive conflict zones.

Aselsan also introduced a new suite of naval systems including Göksur VLS Vertical Launch Air Defense System (VLS), the Deringöz autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), and the Cenk 350-N 4D 2-axis multi-functional radar.

Gökbora and Gökhan ramjet-powered Air-to-Air Missiles

At IDEF 2025, Turkiye unveiled two advanced ramjet-powered air-to-air missiles aimed at enhancing its long-range engagement capabilities. Tubitak (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye) introduced Gökhan, the indigenous liquid-fueled ramjet missile, designed for next-generation and current platforms. With performance comparable to the European Meteor, Gökhan promises high-speed, extended-range interception. On day 2 of the exhibition, Roketsan revealed Gökbora, a solid-fuel ramjet missile developed for internal carriage on the Kaan fighter and Bayraktar Kizilelma UCAV.

Focus on indigenous supply chains

Beyond the unveiling of new systems, the Turkish Defense Industries Secretariat signed multiple contracts at IDEF 2025 aimed at strengthening the indigenous defense supply chain. New agreements were signed with domestic firms such as Nurol Teknoloji, Garanti Kompozit, and Ipek Defense for the supply of ballistic equipment under a Ministry of Interior initiative.

Aselsan also secured deals for remote-controlled weapon systems, while arms manufacturer Sarsilmaz will provide 9mm pistols, and the Kale Group will supply 5.66mm infantry rifles.

Further agreements include contracts with Havelsan for simulation systems for T-70 helicopters and a major delivery deal with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for 57 Gokbey utility helicopters.

These deals represent a coordinated effort by Turkiye to not only meet its national security requirements but also strengthen its strategic autonomy by localizing defense production.

Roketsan introduces six new systems

Turkish missile powerhouse Roketsan has been among the most prominent participants at this year’s event. The firm introduced six new advanced systems, including Turkiye’s first hypersonic missile, the Tayfun Block-4, marking a significant step in Turkiye’s air-to-air missile capabilities.

The Tayfun Block-4, weighing over 7 tons and equipped with a multi-purpose warhead, sets a new benchmark for Turkiye’s ballistic missile capabilities. It is designed to destroy high-value strategic targets such as air defense systems, command centers, and hardened military infrastructure.

Other notable systems unveiled include:

• Gokbora: With a range exceeding 100 nautical miles and a large no-escape zone, this beyond visual range air-to-air missile is designed for use on both manned and unmanned platforms.
  
• Eren: A high-speed multi-purpose loitering munition capable of targeting both airborne and ground assets with superior guidance, long endurance, and a range beyond 100 kilometers.
  
• Atmaca with Akata Capsule: A submarine-launched version of the proven anti-ship missile with a 250-kilometer range.
  
• 300 Er: An air-launched ballistic missile system with a 500+ kilometer range depending on release altitude and platform speed.
  
• Simsek-2: A satellite-space launch vehicle capable of placing 1,500 kg payloads into a sun-synchronous orbit at over 700 kilometers. The first test launch is expected in 2027.

Roketsan CEO Murat Ikinci remarked, “Today, our company, a global brand in rocket, missile, and ammunition technologies, continues to pioneer new technologies with its R&D studies. We are also launching six new products at IDEF, once again demonstrating our progress in defense technology.”

Roketsan salso igned a technology transfer agreement with Indonesia, enabling local production of its Çakır cruise missile in Jakarta. The deal was announced alongside the unveiling of five new missile systems and a space launch vehicle at the defense expo.

Armored Vehicles and Cargo Drone

BMC, the producer of the Altay Turkish main battle tank, unveiled a new lineup of armored vehicles at IDEF. Leading the display was the Turan 4×4 armored cargo and personnel carrier, now in low-rate initial production for the Turkish Land Forces.

Other new platforms included the Zeybek 8×8 armored recovery vehicle, Zeybek 8×8 Tank Carrier, Zeybek 4×4 five-ton tactical vehicle, and the Altug 8×8 armored combat and personnel carrier.

FNSS Defense Systems showcased its Pars İzci 8×8 armored combat vehicle, the first 8×8 of its kind to enter the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory. The vehicle, designed for reconnaissance and internal security operations, offers enhanced mobility and high situational awareness.

Turkish defense company DASAL unveiled its indigenously developed UAV, the UHU C100, to address critical battlefield logistics. The electric-powered cargo drone features a payload capacity of up to 100 kilograms, and a long operation range.

Turkiye and Indonesia finalize deal for 48 Kaan fighter jets

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI or TUSAS) has signed a contract with Indonesian defense firms PT Dirgantara Indonesia and PT Republik Aero Dirgantara for the export of 48 Kaan fighter jets. This makes the Southeast Asian nation the first buyer of Turkiye’s homegrown aircraft.

The deal, valued at around $10 billion, includes production, engineering and technology sharing, with deliveries spanning 120 months and engines manufactured in Türkiye.

Haluk Gorgun, the head of Turkiye’s Defense Industries Secretariat, said the agreement follows a government-to-government framework signed in June 2025.

“Through this cooperation, we aim to support the establishment of a local industrial infrastructure in Indonesia and to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in both production and engineering,” Gorgun said.

KAAN’IN SATIŞINA YÖNELİK RESMİ SÖZLEŞME İMZALANDI! ✈️

IDEF 2025’te atılan imza ile KAAN Endonezya’ya teslim edilecek.

Cumhuriyet tarihinin en büyük savunma ihracatı anlaşmasına imza atmaktan gurur duyuyor, ülkemiz için daha fazla çalışmaya, daha fazla üretmeye devam edeceğiz!… pic.twitter.com/j1MFfpOybZ

— Türk Havacılık Uzay Sanayii (@TUSAS_TR) July 26, 2025

TAI partners with Airbus to export Hurjets to Spain

In a significant step for defense industry cooperation, TAI signed an agreement with Airbus at IDEF to accelerate the export of Turkiye’s indigenous jet trainer, Hürjet. The deal outlines the roles of both companies in advancing the Hurjet’s bid for Spain’s jet trainer procurement program, with plans to supply up to 30 aircraft to the Spanish Air Force. The final sales contract is expected by the end of the year, with deliveries slated to begin in 2028.

Designed for high performance and equipped with advanced avionics, Hürjet is tailored to train pilots transitioning to fifth-generation fighter jets, offering a modern replacement for aging trainer fleets across allied air forces.

Azerbaijan and domestic partners sign major agreements

Roketsan deepened its ties with Azerbaijan through the signing of an “Artillery Systems Cooperation Protocol,” formalized by Azerbaijani Deputy Defense Minister Agil Gurbanov and Roketsan Chairman Faruk Yigit. This agreement enhances artillery collaboration and reaffirms the strong defense partnership between the two nations.

Additionally, Roketsan signed a development agreement with Aselsan for the Gökbora missile project, including RF seeker heads and data link subsystems. New strategic contracts were also signed with the Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB) for the Mixed Rocket/Missile System Project and the TRLG-122 Missile System Supply Cooperation Protocol.

Roketsan also signed a fuel rod supply deal with MKE and a startup incubation protocol with Teknopark Istanbul to boost innovation, support defense-focused entrepreneurship, and reduce foreign dependency.

Roketsan’s localization push was further formalized with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with several Turkish tech and defense firms, including Armsto Konnektor, Asil Celik, Sensorsan Sensor Technologies, Korel Elektronik, and others. The company’s “Rise for Tomorrow” platform continues to play a central role in integrating domestic suppliers into the defense ecosystem.

Turkish drone maker Baykar inks deal with Korean Air

At IDEF 2025, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar signed an MoU with South Korea’s Korean Air, signaling a new chapter in UAV collaboration between the two nations. The agreement, signed by Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar and Korean Air General Manager Kh Lee, aims to explore joint efforts in unmanned aerial technologies.

Bayraktar highlighted Baykar’s dominant position in the global UAV market, claiming a 60% share and emphasized the company’s role in reducing Turkiye’s foreign defense dependence from 80% to a targeted 80% localization.

Turkiye unveils first national fast attack craft at IDEF 2025

At IDEF 2025, Turkish defense firm STM unveiled the model of Turkiye’s first indigenously designed Fast Attack Craft (FAC), marking a major milestone in the nation’s naval modernization efforts. Developed to replace aging German-built vessels in the Turkish Navy, the FAC reflects Turkiye’s push for greater self-reliance in maritime defense.

STM, which is both the designer and main contractor for the project, said the construction of the first national FAC has officially commenced. “With its high speed, advanced weapon systems and superior maneuverability in rough sea conditions, this platform will play a key role in safeguarding the Blue Homeland,” STM said in a statement. “We will build the Turkish Navy’s largest and heaviest fast attack craft to date,” it added.

‘AI for Defense’ strategy and AI-powered systems

At IDEF 2025, Turkiye highlighted its “AI for Defense” strategy with AI-powered demos and the SAYZEK talent program to boost defense AI innovation. Top defense firms showcased advanced AI systems and cutting-edge AI applications.

Havelsan is focusing on command systems and manned-unmanned teaming, Aselsan on integrating AI into electronics and warfare systems, and Baykar on AI-powered autonomous missile technologies. TAI is developing AI-equipped aerospace platforms, while STM is exploring generative AI for defense and technological independence.

IDEF – a strategic showcase of national power

Over the years, Turkiye’s IDEF 2025 has evolved into more than just a product showcase; it is a strategic demonstration of the country’s military modernization, defense innovation, and geopolitical assertiveness.

Hosting over 900 domestic and 400 foreign defense companies, this year’s exhibition was the largest edition of the series of annual defense exhibitions.

With multi-platform precision weapons, hypersonic capabilities, and satellite launch technologies now entering its arsenal, Turkiye’s defense sector is rapidly closing the gap with global competitors, backed by deepening international cooperation and a robust domestic industrial base. As the fair concludes this weekend, IDEF 2025 has firmly positioned itself as a global launchpad for Turkish defense innovation.