The IDEF’09 International Defence Industry Fair, organized by the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation and hosted by the Ministry of National Defence since 1993, and showcasing the Turkish defence industry to the world, took place at the Istanbul Tüyap Fair and Congress Center from April 27-30. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of National Defence Vecdi Gönül, Chief of General Staff İlker Başbuğ, and numerous Force Commanders.
At the fair, which was attended by 464 domestic and foreign companies, official delegate programs were prepared, facilitating exchanges of views with Defense Ministers, Chiefs of General Staff, and high-level civilian and military authorities of friendly and allied countries. Simultaneously, in specially prepared meeting areas, all companies directly or indirectly involved with the defense industry were able to meet with high-level military and civilian supply and procurement authorities, as well as domestic and foreign delegations. As the Ostim Defense Sub-Industry Cluster, we participated in IDEF 2009 with a joint stand featuring the logos of 64 Cluster Member companies. On the first day, which was open only to protocol guests, we demonstrated a strong presence with the participation of Mr. Orhan Aydın, Chairman of the Ostim Organized Industrial Zone Board of Directors, Mr. Sıtkı Öztuna, Vice Chairman of the Ostim Organized Industrial Zone Board of Directors, members of the Cluster Executive Board, and representatives from 50 Cluster member companies. 800 copies of the Ostim Defense Sub-Industry Directory and 1000 copies of the Cluster Promotional Brochure were distributed to relevant parties at the fair.
Company representatives had the opportunity to meet with key suppliers during the fair. In addition, Cluster Executive Board Members and the Cluster Coordinator held meetings with SSM officials, Logistics Commanders, MSB officials, foreign delegations, and SASAD to provide information about the Ostim Defense Sub-Industry Cluster and explore areas of collaboration.
