Professor Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Presidency of Defence Industries, met with industry representatives ahead of the IDEF 2025 International Defence Industry Fair, which will be held in Istanbul from 22 to 27 July. Görgün announced that Türkiye reached $4 billion in defence exports and signed $6 billion worth of new contracts in the first 6.5 months of the year.
He noted that Türkiye ranks 11th globally in defence exports and is expected to break into the top 10 soon, stating, “Compared to the same period last year, exports have increased by 33%. This is a sign of the sector’s added-value and sustainable growth.”
Support for SMEs, Emphasis on Localisation
Highlighting that more than 3,500 companies form the foundation of the defence industry ecosystem, Görgün said, “Over 700 companies took part in the SIPER Project. We have developed business models that enhance localisation, particularly with the involvement of SMEs.”
Görgün noted that financial support for SMEs is ongoing, with $25 million in support provided to 25 companies, and that special guarantee and leasing programmes have been developed for firms unable to provide collateral.
IDEF 2025: “Showcase of Technological Sovereignty”
Görgün described IDEF 2025 as a platform to showcase Türkiye’s technological strength in defence to the world, saying, “The fair will host participants from 96 countries. It will be held over 70,000 m² and last for six days. Our President will attend the opening ceremony.”
The fair will feature parades of naval, land, and air vehicles, product launches of new systems, and international cooperation agreements. Participation and contract volume are expected to surpass previous editions significantly.
“We’re in the Big League”
Görgün emphasised that Türkiye has become a trendsetter in defence technologies, stating, “Türkiye ranks among the top five globally in electronic warfare. In UCAV exports, we control 65% of the global market.” He added that cooperation with NATO is increasing, and a dedicated department has been established to ease company access to NATO tenders.
At IDEF 2025, leading defence industry companies such as ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, STM, TEI, ASFAT, and MKE will showcase their latest innovations. Participating companies are preparing to form new partnerships to boost their export potential.
