IDEF 2025 Day 1 Highlights Growth of Turkish Defense Industry with Cutting Edge Technologies.

Day 1 at IDEF 2025, the International Defence Industry Fair held in Türkiye, launched with an impressive display of cutting-edge military technology, as Army Recognition's editorial team provided exclusive, on-site coverage from all four exhibition venues in Istanbul. Hosted by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, the event spans the Istanbul Expo Center, Atatürk Airport apron, WOW Hotel Congress Center, and Ataköy Marina, offering a unique multi-domain view into the future of defense.
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IDEF 2025 opens in Istanbul, showcasing the latest achievements of the Turkish defense industry and bringing together global defense leaders, military officials, and defense manufacturers for one of the world’s leading defense and security exhibitions. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

A standout moment of the opening day was the official unveiling by Roketsan of the "Hisar-X" next-generation air defense missile system, designed to provide extended-range interception capabilities against high-speed aerial threats, including cruise missiles and UAV swarms. With range envelopes significantly exceeding current variants in the Hisar family, Hisar-X is expected to become a central pillar of Türkiye's national layered air defense network. Live demonstrations and a full-scale system mock-up were presented to international delegations, drawing considerable interest from procurement officials across the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

At the Atatürk Airport static display zone, Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer FNSS showcased its new Kaplan HYBRID tracked platform for the first time in public. Featuring a dual-power propulsion system with integrated electric drive, Kaplan HYBRID promises improved acceleration, reduced acoustic signature, and greater operational range. Company representatives emphasized its modularity for diverse roles including reconnaissance, air defense, and indirect fire support. Army Recognition's video crew captured the exclusive walkthrough and field commentary with FNSS engineers.

At the Istanbul Ataköy Marina, the Turkish Navy presented a full-spectrum lineup of unmanned surface vessels, underlining Türkiye’s ambition to dominate the autonomous naval systems market. Four operational USVs were on static display: the Marlin ASW, optimized for anti-submarine warfare with onboard sonar and torpedo launch capabilities; the Marlin ASuW, equipped with missile systems for engaging surface threats; the ULAQ Port Security USV, designed for coastal surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure; and the SANCAR MCM, a mine countermeasure platform capable of deploying autonomous underwater vehicles for mine detection and neutralization. This coordinated display of naval autonomy marks a strategic shift in how Türkiye is integrating unmanned systems into its maritime doctrine and has attracted serious interest from international delegations.

Over the past decade, the Turkish defense industry has undergone a rapid transformation from an import-dependent sector to a globally competitive powerhouse driven by innovation and a state-backed industrial strategy. With strong support from the Presidency of Defence Industries, Türkiye has expanded indigenous capabilities in armored platforms, missile systems, UAVs, naval technologies, and command and control solutions. Flagship systems such as the Bayraktar TB2, Anka-S UAVs, Altay main battle tank, and Hisar air defense series have entered operational service with allied countries across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Turkish defense exports reached a record high in 2024, with equipment now deployed in over 170 countries. This expanding global footprint confirms Türkiye’s emergence as a reliable defense supplier and a growing force in shaping modern battlefield capabilities.

As one of the most strategically curated international defense exhibitions, IDEF is not only a showcase of advanced technology but also a national platform designed to highlight the depth, innovation, and industrial independence of the Turkish defense sector. Organized by TÜYAP on behalf of the Ministry of National Defense and under the administration of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, IDEF brings together global defense leaders, official delegations, and military decision-makers. Through this comprehensive format, Türkiye demonstrates its commitment to defense innovation while positioning itself as a key actor in international security and cooperation.