Turkey's Defense Industry Shines at IDEF 2025
Turkey reveals first hypersonic missile, Tayfun Block 4, at IDEF 2025 exhibition
In a significant display of its growing defense capabilities, Turkey is hosting the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul. The event, drawing a strong international presence, showcases Turkey's commitment to defense innovation and its rising influence in global security and cooperation.
Domestic and Foreign Participants
The fair features participation from over 900 domestic and 400 foreign defense firms representing 44 countries. Key Turkish defense industry leaders, such as Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Aselsan, Havelsan, FNSS, Otokar, MKE, and Roketsan, are in attendance.
Naval Exhibits and Tayfun Block-4
Naval exhibits include surface combatants, support ships, submarines, unmanned maritime systems, and command-control technologies. One of the highlights of the naval segment is the Tayfun Block-4, a hypersonic ballistic missile developed by Turkish defense firm Roketsan. The Tayfun Block-4, unveiled at the fair, boasts long ranges and advanced maneuverability, setting another record for the Turkish defense industry.
Record-Breaking Tayfun Block-4
The Tayfun Block-4, weighing 2,300 kilograms and measuring 6.5 meters in length, is capable of destroying numerous strategic targets, such as air defense systems, command and control centers, military hangars, and critical military facilities, from kilometers away. This advanced missile system is expected to significantly strengthen Turkey's defense capabilities.
Global Presence and Economic Growth
In recent years, Turkey's defense exports have seen remarkable increases. In 2024, exports reached nearly $7.2 billion, and in the first half of 2025, they totaled $3.603 billion, marking a 25% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This growth is expected to continue, with projections suggesting that exports will exceed $8 billion in 2025.
Political Support and Overcoming Challenges
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at the opening ceremony of IDEF 2025, emphasizing Turkey's rise as a sovereign defense power. Erdogan stated that Turkey has overcome "embargoes, double standards, and diplomatic pressures" to become a global force in the defense industry.
Global Partners and International Cooperation
Companies and delegations from nations including China, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan are showcasing advanced defense, aviation, and aerospace technologies at the fair. Leading global firms such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus are also in attendance, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in the defense sector.
In summary, IDEF 2025 is a testament to Turkey's growing influence in the global defense industry. The event underscores the country's commitment to defense innovation, its significant advancements in missile technology, and its increasing economic contribution to the sector. Anadolu Agency serves as the event's global communication partner.
- At IDEF 2025, Turkey showcases its commitment to science and technology in the defense industry, offering a platform for Turkish companies like Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Aselsan, Havelsan, FNSS, Otokar, MKE, and Roketsan to demonstrate their innovative solutions.
- The Tayfun Block-4, unveiled at the fair, is a significant development in Turkey's energy-sector-related defense technology, boasting long ranges and advanced maneuverability, setting new records for the Turkish defense industry.
- With over 900 domestic and 400 foreign defense firms representing 44 countries participating, the fair highlights the financial investments and international cooperation within Turkey's industry and space-and-astronomy sectors.
- In the realm of finance, Turkey's defense exports have seen skyrocketing growth, with projections promising to exceed $8 billion in 2025, reflecting the success of industry leaders like Roketsan.
- As Turkey asserts its global presence in the defense industry, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasizes the overcoming of challenges, such as embargoes and diplomatic pressures, underlining Turkey's political support for the industry's continued growth and technological advancements.
