The EFES-2018 Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise, held in İzmir’s Seferihisar district, became a major platform for Turkey’s defense industry to exhibit its most advanced and innovative military technologies. Hosted by Turkey and coordinated by the Aegean Army Command, the exercise included participation from numerous friendly and allied nations. As part of the event, a Defense Industry Exhibition was established in the Doğanbey Training Area, where 35 Turkish defense companies presented their latest systems to international military delegations.

One of the highlights was the Bayraktar TB2, the first and only national armed UAV in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory. For the first time in the EFES series, Bayraktar TB2 conducted live-fire missions during the exercise and hit its targets with pinpoint accuracy. Throughout the exercise, BAYKAR provided live video feeds of flights and firing sequences. Vestel also showcased its Karayel UAV along with other aerospace products.

On the ground systems side, BMC introduced its unmanned, remote-controlled AMAZON 4x4 tactical armored vehicle, marking its first public presentation. All vehicle functions can be controlled remotely, making it a significant innovation for future battlefield applications. BMC exhibited 12 different vehicles across its extensive 580-square-meter stand area. Otokar, participating with six armored vehicles, unveiled the Cobra II Cargo Carrier Armored Vehicle for the first time. The company also displayed its Cobra, Cobra II, Arma 6x6, Arma 8x8 and the tracked Tulpar-S vehicles.

FNSS drew attention with its Pars III 8x8 tactical wheeled armored vehicle, already exported to Oman. The company showcased several armored platforms currently in the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces and international armies. Meanwhile, MKE presented its howitzer systems and the national infantry rifle family. Roketsan’s smart munitions along with Aselsan and Havelsan’s high-tech solutions also received significant interest from visitors.

Another innovative product showcased at the exhibition was PADMER, a modular explosion-resistant shelter developed by OFM Engineering after three years of intensive R&D. Successfully passing field tests, PADMER offers a secure, durable solution for military personnel in high-risk areas. The Kuzgun tablet-based encrypted video transmission system and the national Geographical Analysis System (CAS) UAV Module, developed with PiriReis Bilişim, were also introduced for the first time at EFES-2018.

Katmerciler participated with the KHAN armored personnel carrier, an armored ambulance and the UKAP Remote-Controlled Weapon Platform, adding further diversity to the exhibition’s offerings. The EFES-2018 Defense Industry Exhibition will remain open to visitors until May 10, serving as a strong demonstration of Turkey’s defense technology capabilities on the international stage.