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China, UAE overtake US companies at Turkey’s IDEF 23 weapons fair

During the 15th edition of the IDEF in 2021, the global fair saw more than a thousand companies from 53 countries attend and had more than 94 signing ceremonies take place.
People look at a Turkish attack helicopter "T129 ATAK" on May 9, 2017 during the opening day of the 13th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul. / AFP PHOTO / YASIN AKGUL (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images)

DUBAI — Turkey completed the second day of its 2023 16th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2023) in Istanbul on Wednesday, showcasing defense companies displaying the latest in hardware and services at the four-day event. 

The biennial event that began in 1993 is hosted by Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense and is being held at the Tuyap Fair and Congress Center. It is the largest gathering of the defense industry in Turkey and the fourth largest in the world, according to the fair’s website. 

During the 15th edition of the event held in 2021, the global fair saw more than a thousand companies from 53 countries attend. The total number of companies attending this year has not been disclosed. 

Turkey and Tajikistan signed a military and financial cooperation deal on Wednesday during the second day of IDEF 2023, in addition to a protocol on financial aid between the two countries, reported the Ankara-based, state-run Anadolu Agency. 

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