On July 27, the 17th edition of the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) successfully concluded its activities in Istanbul, Türkiye, marking a key milestone in global defence collaboration. The six-day exhibition hosted over 400 international defence companies from 44 countries, alongside leading Turkish defence manufacturers, highlighting the latest in defence innovation and strategic technologies.
IDEF 2025 welcomed high-level delegations including ministers from 33 countries, over 120 deputy ministers, chiefs of staff, and military leaders, making it one of the most significant gatherings of defence decision-makers globally.
UAE’s Strong Presence Highlights National Defence Ambitions
The United Arab Emirates made a significant impact at IDEF 2025 with a fully integrated national pavilion that reflected the country’s sovereign vision to develop a robust and self-reliant defence sector.
Spearheaded by the Tawazun Council for Defence and Security Industry Empowerment, the UAE’s participation underscored its commitment to positioning itself as a global hub for advanced defence manufacturing and innovation.
The national pavilion brought together leading Emirati defence and technology entities, including EDGE Group, Calidus, Al Jundi Journal, and Capital Events, which spotlighted preparations for the upcoming IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 exhibitions in Abu Dhabi.
A highlight of the UAE’s presence was the participation of the Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP), which showcased its strategic expansion plans aimed at fostering a cutting-edge industrial ecosystem. TIP positioned itself as a national platform to attract global high-tech defence investments and manufacturers, bolstering the UAE’s status as a regional leader in industrial and technological excellence.
Strategic Vision and Industrial Empowerment
Commenting on the UAE’s participation, His Excellency Matar Ali Al Rumaithi, Head of the Defence and Security Industry Affairs Sector at Tawazun, stated:
“Our presence at IDEF 2025 is a continuation of our strategic efforts to forge global industrial partnerships and deepen ties with key defence markets. Türkiye remains a vital partner in our joint pursuit of innovative, effective, and modern defence systems.”
EDGE Showcases Advanced Multi-Domain Defence Capabilities at IDEF 2025
EDGE Group, a global leader in advanced defence and technology, showcased a comprehensive portfolio of multi-domain solutions during its debut at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul.
Unmanned Systems and ISR Excellence
EDGE highlighted its deep understanding of land and maritime ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) requirements by unveiling the “HT-100”, a multi-role unmanned helicopter platform known for its reliability and mission flexibility.
The group also emphasised the strategic importance of electronic warfare and airspace awareness. In response to emerging aerial threats, EDGE presented:
The “SkyKnight” rapid-deployment air defence missile system, engineered to counter saturation attacks and various airborne threats
The “SkyShield” C-UAS solution, equipped with advanced jamming and deception capabilities and deployable as a static or mobile system
Electronic Warfare, Radar, and Spectrum Dominance
EDGE showcased a range of sensor and radar solutions to deliver comprehensive situational awareness, including:
The “TAWAQ-S” and “TAWAQ-X” 3D ground surveillance radars for high-quality, automated tracking and classification
The “GPS PROTECT” system for advanced anti-jamming capabilities
The “BORDERSHIELD” autonomous surveillance system
The “MIRSAD-X”, a multi-spectral electro-optical imaging system for land and maritime operations
The “KASHIF 600” and “KASHIF 700”, lightweight electro-optical payloads optimised for UAVs and UGVs
Cybersecurity and Data Protection Solutions
EDGE addressed growing demands for secure communications and digital defence by showcasing:
The “KATIM GATEWAY” secure data encryption platform
A suite of advanced cybersecurity solutions designed for military and government infrastructure protection
Infantry Munitions and Non-Lethal Systems
Rounding out its display, EDGE introduced a full range of infantry support systems, including:
Non-lethal grenades
40mm grenade launcher ammunition
60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar rounds
155mm artillery shells
Calidus Group Makes a Mark at IDEF 2025
Calidus Holding Group delivered a standout performance during the 17th edition of the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), held in Istanbul, participating under the UAE National Pavilion organised by the Tawazun Council for Defence and Security Industries.
The company’s exhibition platform attracted significant attention from ministers, high-ranking officials, military leaders, and decision-makers from around the world. Visitors widely praised the UAE’s defence industry and Calidus’ advanced offerings in particular, highlighting their competitiveness on both regional and global scales. The group’s products were commended for their precision, reliability, and seamless integration of advanced technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—tailored to meet the diverse demands of modern battlefield environments.
As part of its IDEF 2025 participation, Calidus Holding signed a series of strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding with major international defence firms. Among the most notable was an MoU signed with Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), the country’s top authority overseeing the defence sector. Another MoU was concluded with CTech, a company specialising in satellite communications and data link solutions for defence, aerospace, and unmanned systems.
H.E. Dr. Khalifa Murad Al Baloushi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, confirmed that the company’s participation successfully fulfilled its strategic objectives. These included expanding international collaboration, fostering knowledge exchange, and showcasing the UAE’s technological innovations.
Among the headline exhibits were the MATV Armoured Combat Support Vehicle integrated with the locally developed Al-Haddah missile launcher, as well as six variants of the Al-Haddah missile system itself. Calidus also presented a scale model of its CLS military vehicle production facility, a B-250 cockpit simulator, and miniature models of both the B-250 light attack aircraft and the B-250T advanced trainer. In addition, the company highlighted its growing expertise in the manufacturing of subcomponents for defence systems.
Moreover, Electro-optical capabilities featured prominently in the Calidus showcase, with particular focus on infrared technologies and sensor integration. These systems form a vital component of modern defence architecture, offering enhanced situational awareness in low-visibility environments. The electro-optical suite combines thermal imaging, optical sensors, and laser range-finding to deliver superior surveillance and targeting accuracy.
Calidus also unveiled a locally designed military-grade chassis—a robust structural platform engineered for high-load combat vehicle applications. The chassis, tailored for combat support roles, is built to endure extreme operational conditions and can be configured to accommodate various protection systems, weapons payloads, and mine resistance technologies.
High-Level Visits
His Excellency Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye, and Major General Hamid Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, visited the UAE National Pavilion at IDEF 2025. During their tour, they reviewed the latest defence technologies and products showcased by participating Emirati companies, underscoring the UAE’s growing presence and leadership in the global defence industry.
Reported by: Razi Izzeddin Elhadmi
Photography by: Omar Abdullah Al Shehhi
