Global Push by Turkish Defense Industry: DIMDEX 2026 and New Export Agreements

DIMDEX 2026: Strategic Cooperation with Qatar The 9th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held in Qatar from January 19 to 25, 2026, served as a major showcase for Turkish defense companies.
Among the 47 Turkish participants, firms such as MKE, STM, TAİS, and ASFAT signed various memoranda of understanding with Qatar’s Barzan Holding.
These agreements cover strategic projects including establishing explosive production capabilities in Qatar, local production of tactical UAV systems, and the construction of two ISTIF-class frigates.
Additionally, the ULAQ Armed Unmanned Surface Vessel (AUSV), exported by ARES Shipyard, was displayed at the Qatar Ministry of Interior stand, drawing significant international attention.
Mass Production and Testing in Aviation The week saw critical progress in the aviation sector as KIZILELMA, Turkey's first mass-produced unmanned fighter aircraft, began its test flights.
Meanwhile, the Bayraktar AKINCI successfully completed a firing test with the TEBER-82 Winged Guidance Kit, and the HÜRJET trainer aircraft finalized its rigorous cold-weather testing in Erzurum.
TUSAŞ maintained its industry leadership in project capacity according to R&D 500 research.
During the same period, Uzbekistan's Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, visited TUSAŞ facilities in Ankara to receive briefings on ongoing projects.
International Exports and Global Presence More than 70 Turkish companies participated in SHOT Show, one of the world's largest firearms and hunting exhibitions, held in the United States.
In terms of naval exports, a patrol vessel equipped with ASELSAN’s MUHAFIZ 30mm Remote Controlled Weapon System reached the Philippines.
Furthermore, the HTRS 100 Air Traffic Control Radar System, also produced by ASELSAN, took over flight safety operations at Damascus International Airport.
In the field of technological localization, HAVELSAN successfully completed the development of a national "time server" system, providing high-precision time synchronization.
Domestic Technologies and Institutional Milestones UNIROBOTICS introduced a new defense solution against drone threats by integrating the M134 MINIGUN weapon system into the TRAKON LITE turret.
The week also marked institutional milestones, with the Ankara Aerospace and Aviation Specialized Industrial Zone (HAB) celebrating its 11th anniversary and engine manufacturer TEI marking its 41st year.
Additionally, FNSS was honored by the Ankara Chamber of Industry for its achievements in design.