On September 30, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva toured the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition “ADEX 2026” and the 15th International Exhibition for Internal Security, Safety and Rescue Equipment “Securex Caspian” held at the Baku Expo Center.
Sea-news.az reports that Minister of Defence Zakir Hasanov and Minister of Defence Industry Vugar Mustafayev briefed the Head of State and the First Lady about the exhibitions.
As the region’s major military-technological platform bringing together global defence industry leaders, “ADEX 2026” plays a key role in demonstrating modern military technologies and equipment, as well as the strength of Azerbaijan’s defence industrial complex.
The “ADEX” exhibition is organized on the initiative and organizational support of the Ministry of Defence Industry, with support from the Ministry of Defence. The exhibition is organized by Caspian Event Organisers.
A record number of companies are participating in “ADEX 2026” this year. Consequently, an additional pavilion at the Baku Expo Center has been brought into service. For the first time, a dedicated pavilion has been allocated for the national exposition.
Fifty-nine foreign delegations from 39 countries have registered for the “ADEX 2026” exhibition. This year, several prestigious US companies are participating in the exhibition for the first time. The most broadly represented country is brotherly Türkiye.
For the first time in ADEX history, the exhibition’s official merch collection is presented. In addition, a newspaper titled “ADEX News” will be published.
The “Securex Caspian” exhibition features supplies, comprehensive security systems, and forward-looking technological solutions designed for law enforcement, border guard, rescue, firefighting, and special service agencies, including forensic equipment and systems, operational search, and emergency rescue equipment.
A total of 277 companies from 30 countries are attending the “ADEX” and “Securex Caspian” exhibitions. National pavilions from 14 countries have been set up.
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva first reviewed the stand of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Artillery systems, aviation equipment, and unmanned systems currently in the inventory of the Azerbaijani Army are on display at “ADEX 2026.” The Ministry’s exposition is set up in both the exhibition hall and the outdoor area.
Established in 2023 by Decree of President Ilham Aliyev under the Ministry of Defence Industry, “Azersilah” Defence Industry Holding manages the organization of arms production, sales, and exports. Expanding production capacity, developing next-generation weaponry, and building international cooperation represent key operational directions for the entity.
Azerbaijan’s “Vektor” Group of Companies is also participating in the exhibition. “Vektor” operates within the country’s defence industry sector, manufacturing missile mockups, military uniforms, and various military accessories.
The Head of State and the First Lady viewed the stand of “Baykar,” founded in Istanbul in 1984 and currently Türkiye’s largest exporter of defence equipment. The “Bayraktar TB2” tactical UAV has been exported to over 30 countries. The company also manufactures the heavier “Bayraktar AKINCI,” the carrier-capable “TB3,” and the jet-powered “Kızılelma” unmanned fighter jet. “Baykar” is also engaged in producing ground control stations, avionics, and engines.
Türkiye’s “Aselsan” is also participating in the exhibition. Founded in Ankara in 1975, it is Türkiye’s largest defence industry enterprise. “Aselsan” manufactures radar and electronic warfare systems, military communications, air defence, electro-optics, avionics, remote-controlled weapon stations, and anti-drone systems. It ranks among the top 50 largest defence industry companies in the world.
“EDGE Group” is a state-owned defence and advanced technology group based in the United Arab Emirates. Formed in 2019 by consolidating over 25 defence entities across the country and quickly ranking among the top 25 defence companies globally, “EDGE” manufactures precision-guided munitions and missiles, autonomous air and naval systems, electronic warfare solutions, and armored vehicles.
The Slovak Republic is participating with a national pavilion. The country’s leading defence companies specializing in artillery, armored and specialized vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, drones, chemical detection, aviation repair and radar, cable assemblies, and arms modernization are attending the event.
The People’s Republic of China is also among the participating nations. “China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation” serves as the foreign trade and export arm of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The company handles international sales of combat and trainer aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, avionics, aviation weaponry, and maintenance services.
“China North Industries Corporation” is China’s largest state-owned land systems and munitions group and one of the world’s leading defence enterprises. It manufactures main battle tanks (VT-4), armored fighting vehicles, towed and self-propelled artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, small arms, and loitering munitions, while maintaining broad operations in the civilian sector.
“Czechoslovak Group” (CSG) is an industrial and defence holding uniting over 100 companies across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Europe, and the US. It is also one of Europe’s fastest-growing defence industry groups, operating in armored vehicles, artillery, radars, heavy-caliber weapon manufacturing, and aviation maintenance.
Israel’s “UVision Air” specializes in loitering munitions. These weapons fly to a target area, loiter, and strike upon command. Its flagship product is the “HERO” system. Featuring cruciform fold-out wings, the systems are launched from canisters on vehicles, ships, and light platforms, offering operators the ability to abort strikes mid-flight.
“Ondas Holdings” is a US-based autonomous drone and private wireless network group. Through “American Robotics” and “Airobotics,” it produces automated drone docking stations, anti-drone systems, and industrial network solutions. The company is a supplier of standard pistols and automatic weapons to the US Military.
“IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries” is Israel’s largest aerospace and defence group. Operating since 1953, the group produces “Heron” and “Harop” unmanned aerial vehicles, “Barak” air defence systems, ballistic missile defence systems, radar and electronic systems, “LORA” ballistic missiles, and communications/reconnaissance satellites. Its portfolio also includes cargo conversions for passenger aircraft.
“Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd” is an Israeli missile and defence systems company. Formerly a research arm of the Ministry of Defense, it transitioned into a state-owned enterprise in 2002. Its flagship products include the “Iron Dome” and “David’s Sling” air defence systems, the “SPIKE” anti-tank guided missile system, missiles, and strike munitions.
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva also inspected the stand of Italy’s “Leonardo.” “Leonardo” is an Italian aerospace, defence, and security group ranking among Europe’s top three defence firms. The company manufactures helicopters, trainer/combat aircraft, radar and electronic warfare systems, naval artillery, space systems, and cybersecurity solutions.
Another Israeli firm participating in the exhibition is “Elbit Systems.” Operating since 1966 as Israel’s largest private defence electronics enterprise, it produces command systems, electronic warfare equipment, “Hermes” UAVs, artillery systems, avionics, and helmet-mounted displays. The company leads “Digital Army” programs in several nations.
Turkish shipbuilding company “Dearsan” is one of the brotherly nation’s leading naval shipbuilders. The shipyard constructed patrol craft for the Turkish Navy and is currently executing an offshore patrol vessel project. It also builds fast attack and patrol craft, landing ships, and auxiliary vessels for export markets.
Founded in Ankara in 1988, Türkiye’s “Roketsan” produces laser-guided missiles, anti-tank missiles, cruise and ballistic missiles, air defence systems, rockets for multiple launch rocket systems, and composite rocket motors.
“Belspetsvneshtechnika” is a Belarusian state-owned foreign trade enterprise in the defence sector. Beyond exporting arms and military equipment, it specializes in modernizing armored vehicles, air defence complexes, and military aircraft, upgrading MLRS systems, and supplying special equipment and munitions.
Established in 2000, “Rosoboronexport” JSC manages the bulk of Russia’s military equipment and hardware exports. The company exports fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, air defence systems, armored vehicles, naval ships, submarines, small arms, munitions, loitering munitions, and electronic warfare equipment.
Serbia’s “Yugoimport” is also participating in the exhibition. “Yugoimport” is Serbia’s state enterprise for defence production and export. As the country’s primary military exporter, it manufactures self-propelled howitzers, MLRS, heavy, medium, and small-caliber weaponry, mortar rounds, warheads, guided missiles, armored vehicles, and UAVs.
China’s “CPMIEC” (China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation) is a state-owned enterprise specializing in the export of missile and air defence systems. Alongside air defence complexes, it manages international sales of naval systems, anti-tank missile systems, tactical missiles, UAVs, and coastal defence systems.
“Rheinmetall” is a German defence and automotive group, standing as one of Europe’s largest munitions and armored vehicle manufacturers. Key products include armored fighting vehicles, 120mm guns for the Leopard 2 tank, artillery and tank ammunition, air defence systems, military trucks, and defence electronics. Rheinmetall has opened several new munitions plants across Europe in recent years.
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex operates under the Pakistan Air Force. It engages in co-manufacturing the “JF-17 Thunder” fighter jet with China, producing and exporting trainer aircraft, UAVs, avionics, and radars, as well as performing overhaul services for military aircraft and engines.
The Head of State also viewed the stand of Uzbekistan’s Defence Industry Agency. The agency manages domestic military manufacturing, conducts procurement for the armed forces, and coordinates international military-technical cooperation. In recent years, it has been expanding local production across drones, anti-drone systems, protective gear, and small arms munitions.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is also represented at the exhibition. The UK Ministry of Defence stand features “BAE Systems,” the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce representing 14 British companies, and “Rolatube Technology.” “BAE Systems” is Europe’s largest defence company.
In the outdoor display area, the Ministry of Defence, “Azersilah” Defence Industry Holding, “VLand Systems” LLC, “Improtex,” “AZDEF,” and “Exclases Holdings Limited” are showcasing their latest technologies.
