Defense fair to start in Istanbul on May 9

ISTANBUL

AA photo

The world’s leading defense companies will present their latest technologies and products at the 13th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) to be held between May 9 and 12 in Istanbul.

The 13th IDEF, which was held under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency; hosted by the Defense Ministry and under the management and responsibility of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TAFF), has played a key role on the development of alliance and cooperation between participant countries.

The fair has been held once in two years since 1993. 

In the high-tech industry fair, nearly 800 companies from more than 50 countries are expected to present their latest vehicles, equipment and systems used in defense, security, maritime, aviation and space industries.

Additionally, the fair will host 493 high-level foreign delegates including ministers, deputy ministers, chiefs of general staff, army commanders and defense procurement officials from 76 countries and international institutions, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. 

Over 2,000 prearranged meetings and a series of agreements are expected to be made at the IDEF 2017.

In 2015, IDEF hosted 781 companies and representatives from 53 countries, as well as 493 high-level foreign delegates responsible for defense supply for their countries, according to the fair’s website. 

In addition, some 59,715 local and foreign professionals from 110 countries visited the show in 2015.