Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said they procured advanced defense systems from Turkey that other countries refused to sell even for money. Diop emphasized that cooperation between Ankara and Bamako is expanding into defense, security, technology and even potential technology transfer.

Skydagger showcased two new kamikaze drones for the first time at the BAMEX defense fair in Mali, attracting major international attention. With advanced safety mechanisms and innovative engineering, the new platforms are poised to reshape the battlefield.

Autonomous defense systems are rapidly advancing, and Türkiye is emerging as a global contender with its land, air, and naval platforms featuring AI-driven autonomous technologies.

Launched under President Erdoğan’s directive, the “National Competence Initiative” has reached 87,061 participants in its first year, empowering thousands through defense industry training programs.

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated that IDEF 2025 has now become a global brand, emphasizing that Turkey’s defense industry employs nearly 100,000 people and exports to more than 100 countries.

At the opening of IDEF 2025, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized that Türkiye’s indigenous and national defense industry strengthens the Turkish Armed Forces while significantly contributing to the economy and the nation’s global influence.

Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün announced that IDEF 2025 hosts over 400 international companies from 44 countries, solidifying its place among the world’s top five defense exhibitions.

The Turkish and Azerbaijani armed forces will conduct a joint live-fire military exercise titled “Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 2025” in Nakhchivan between June 20–30, further strengthening defense cooperation between the two allies.