IDEF 2027: Istanbul to Host Major International Defence Industry Fair

Istanbul, Türkiye, is set to host the 18th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) from May 3 to 9, 2027. The event, held at the Istanbul Expo Center, will showcase the latest advancements in land, naval, and air defense technologies.

A Pivotal Event for the Global Defence Sector

IDEF serves as a crucial platform for bringing together representatives from various countries, military and civilian delegations, decision-makers, companies in the defense sector, and technology developers. The fair aims to strengthen strategic cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote communication among key players in the global defense industry. This will be achieved through discussion sessions, seminars, signing ceremonies, and product presentations.

Building on Past Success

The 2025 edition of IDEF, the 17th International Defence Industry Fair, saw participation from 1,491 companies originating from 49 countries. It also welcomed 229 official delegations representing 100 nations and international organizations. The event attracted over 120,000 visitors from 114 countries, highlighting its strategic importance within the global defense industry landscape.

Supported by Key Turkish Institutions

IDEF 2027 is held under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence and receives support from the Presidency of Defence Industries of the Republic of Türkiye. The event is managed and organized by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and KFA Fairs.

IDEF 2025 Highlights

The 2025 fair, held from July 22-27, featured over 400 international companies from 44 countries. Exhibitors showcased a wide range of military technologies, including main battle tanks, electronic warfare systems, guided missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), naval combat ships, and advanced command and control systems. Over 5,000 business meetings were organized during the previous event, and organizers anticipated even greater engagement in 2025.