The BAMEX 2026 exhibition, organized by Mali's Ministry of Defense and Turkish company The Peak Defense, continued with a demo day event following a three-day exhibition at the Bamako Fair and Exhibition Center (FEBAK). During this phase, participating companies demonstrated the field performance of their products at a firing range operated by the Malian Armed Forces. Turkish defense companies including ASELSAN, Radikal Arms, ADLER, Hedef Arms, Akıncılar Balistik, KaleKalıp, Prontaron, and 3E Electro-Optical Systems participated in the event.

The Turkish defense industry has made significant progress in recent years, particularly in the field of small arms manufacturing. Companies in the sector have developed various caliber and type weapons systems for military and civilian use, and these products have gained recognition in international markets. The products displayed at BAMEX 2026 represent concrete examples of this development. Russian-origin military ground vehicles operated by Mali conducted firing demonstrations with different caliber gun and weapon systems, while the Russian Air Force also performed aerial displays.

ASELSAN participated in the exhibition with its ODAKAN facial recognition camera system, which is used in various applications across Africa, particularly in Mali. Sabri Güler, Export Manager of Hedef Arms Defence, stated in his remarks to the agency that the company brought rifled pistols, rifled infantry rifles, and smoothbore rifles to Mali. Over the three-day exhibition period, delegations, special guests, and civilians examined the products; during the demo event, participants had the opportunity to fire weapons and test products in the field. Güler emphasized that feedback received during all these activities was positive, noting that Turkish-manufactured weapons specifically address the needs of the African continent and the Sahel region.

The African market has become a strategic commercial hub for the Turkish defense industry. Companies such as Hedef Arms serve as suppliers to the Land Forces and military special operations units of countries including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Togo. Sabri Güler stated that plans include developing products further and establishing production lines in the region through technology transfer. This approach demonstrates that Turkish defense industry companies are focused on long-term and sustainable growth in their export strategy.

Prontaron Arms Factory Manager Salih Safi noted that the exhibition was productive and the company displayed approximately 20 products. During the demo event, numerous delegations tested Prontaron's weapons and expressed satisfaction. Safi stated that visitors' approach to the Turkish defense industry was very positive, confidence in Turkish products worldwide is increasing, and many countries inquired whether similar products exist under Turkish brands. Evaluations made by participants such as "We see your quality" reflect the reputation Turkish defense industry products have gained in the international market.