Türkiye Strengthens Defense Industry with Key Agreements at IDEF 2025Istanbul, July 24, 2025 – The 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), held from July 22-27 at the Istanbul Expo Center, has solidified Türkiye’s position as a global defense industry hub, with numerous agreements signed to advance technological innovation and international cooperation. While posts from the
account on X highlighted several deals, additional agreements, including those involving Kale Kalıp and other key players, have further underscored the event’s significance.Among the notable agreements, Kale Kalıp signed a contract with the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) for the 5.56 mm Infantry Rifle Procurement Project, aimed at meeting the needs of the Gendarmerie General Command. This deal, formalized with the participation of SSB President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, reinforces Türkiye’s commitment to equipping its security forces with domestically produced, advanced weaponry, enhancing operational capabilities and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.Other significant agreements reported from IDEF 2025 include:
- Baykar Defense and Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense: On July 22, a Logistics Support and Sales Agreement was signed, deepening defense ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan. This deal focuses on supplying advanced defense systems and enhancing logistical cooperation, aligning with the “Two states, one nation” slogan.
- STM’s Strategic Partnerships: STM, a leading Turkish defense contractor, signed three cooperation agreements. The first, with Forum Energy Technologies, targets the development of a Deep Submarine Rescue Vehicle and other underwater systems. The second agreement, with Armelsan, focuses on creating a national CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) system for advanced underwater sensor technology. These deals highlight Türkiye’s push toward maritime defense innovation.
- Aspilsan Enerji and Aspower: A goodwill protocol was signed to develop local and national energy solutions for the defense sector, focusing on mobile energy systems critical for military operations. This agreement underscores Türkiye’s emphasis on sustainable defense technologies.
- SSB and TUSAŞ: A major contract was signed for the procurement of 57 GÖKBEY Helicopters, with SSB President Haluk Görgün and TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu in attendance. This deal bolsters Türkiye’s rotary-wing capabilities with domestically produced helicopters.
- SSB and Nurol Teknoloji, Garanti Kompozit, and İpek Savunma: A contract for the Personnel Protective Ballistic Equipment Procurement Project was signed to supply advanced protective gear for Türkiye’s security forces, enhancing personnel safety in operational environments.
- SSB and ASELSAN Konya: An agreement for the Remotely Controlled Stabilized Weapon System Project was formalized, aimed at equipping security forces with cutting-edge weapon systems for enhanced precision and effectiveness.
- SSB and Sarsılmaz: A contract for the 9 mm Pistol Procurement Project was signed, with Sarsılmaz Chairman Latif Aral Aliş participating, ensuring the supply of advanced firearms for Türkiye’s security forces.
- Türkiye and United Kingdom: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter jets, backed by BAE Systems. This deal, facilitated after Germany eased its veto, aims to modernize Türkiye’s fighter fleet alongside its ongoing acquisition of F-16 Block 70s from the United States.
- Türkiye and Djibouti: A Protocol on Military Cooperation was signed by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Djiboutian counterpart Hassan Omar Mohamed, fostering military collaboration and expanding Türkiye’s defense partnerships in Africa.
- Türkiye and Vietnam: A defense cooperation protocol was signed between the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense, marking a step toward broader defense collaboration in Southeast Asia.
- Pakistan Ordnance Factories and Turaç: A cooperation protocol was signed to enhance collaboration in ammunition and defense systems, strengthening Türkiye’s defense ties with Pakistan.
- Türkiye and Guatemala: A Military Framework Agreement was formalized between Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Guatemalan General Henry David Saenz Ramos, paving the way for military cooperation and potential defense exports.
IDEF 2025, hosted by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence and supported by the Presidency of Defence Industries, has drawn unprecedented participation, with 1,450 firms from 44 countries, including major Turkish companies like ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and TUSAŞ, showcasing cutting-edge technologies. The fair, which runs until July 27, serves as a global platform for unveiling innovations in land, sea, air, space, and cybersecurity, while fostering strategic partnerships that position Türkiye as a leader in the defense industry.The agreements signed at IDEF 2025, including Kale Kalıp’s pivotal rifle procurement deal, reflect Türkiye’s strategic focus on indigenous production, international collaboration, and technological advancement, ensuring its defense sector continues to thrive on the global stage.
