Turkey used this year’s IDEF 25 defense fair to showcase its latest military technologies and to highlight its steady shift toward indigenous solutions tailored to the evolving demands of modern warfare. From a new hypersonic ballistic missile to microwave-powered anti-drone systems and a stealthy fast attack craft (FAC), the exhibits reflected Ankara’s broader strategy for addressing its defense needs with homegrown technologies.

Held in Istanbul July 22–27, the 17th IDEF 25 attracted more than 900 Turkish and 400 foreign defense firms, with 44 national pavilions and buyers and officials from 103 countries  — a show of strength for a country climbing the ranks among global arms exporters. Turkey’s defense exports hit an all-time high last year, at $7.15 billion, marking a roughly 30% year-on-year increase and affirming its growing role as a global arms supplier.

Organized by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, which owns controlling shares in much of Turkey’s defense industry, the International Defence Industry Fair has become a mirror of Ankara’s ambitions — to carve out autonomy, boost exports, and rewire its military doctrine for a tech-heavy, asymmetric battlefield.

The Typhoon: Turkey's first ballistic missile