International defense fair IDEF showcases cutting-edge defense products

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) — Cutting-edge defense technologies and products went on display on Tuesday in Istanbul at the annual International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) exhibits.

The 16th edition of the four-day event is hosting around 1,500 companies from Türkiye and the rest of the world, as well as 200 delegations.

The fair is showcasing land, air, and marine vessels and next-generation weapon systems and technologies.

During the first day of the fair, Turkish defense firm Meteksan introduced FELIX, a system that provides protection against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

FELIX can scan the sky up to a 24-kilometer (some 15-mile) radius and detect UAVs with its Retinat AESA radar system.

Gurbag, a private Türkiye-based defense firm, meanwhile, introduced its hydrogen-powered launching system for kamikaze drones.

The system, named Hyrdo-GIDS, can launch drones of up to 200 kilograms in weight. Tests for 800-1,200 kilograms are ongoing.

Turkish weapons-maker Canik has also exhibited strong products at the event.

Canik rolled out the CANiK M3, the advanced new version of its 12.7-mm anti-aircraft firearm Canik M2 QCB.

Canik, which last year bought British AEI Systems, one of the world's leading companies in medium-caliber gun production, also showcased the 30-mm Venom LR for the first time.

Another defense firm, Nurol, introduced a new armored vehicle called the NMS Light.

Sarsilmaz, another gun-maker, displayed new products at the event, including autonomous and unmanned weapons systems.