The conclusion of IDEF 2025 in Istanbul has once again highlighted the event’s importance as Türkiye’s leading defence exhibition and a major hub for international cooperation. The landmark event, held from July 22-27, gathered approximately 900 leading Turkish and 400 international defence companies from 44 countries. Amidst this highly competitive environment, local firm Raff Military Textile has emerged as a major success story, reinforcing its standing in the global industry with key strategic agreements and an expanded international network.
Throughout the five-day fair, the Raff Military Textile stand was a standout destination within the bustling exhibition hall. The event, officially organised by the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Türkiye with support from the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and under the management of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, was a hub of high-level activity. Raff’s team was in constant demand, conducting a continuous series of B2B and B2G meetings. Engagements with delegations from several nations were noted as particularly productive, with discussions involving Mauritania, Mali, Sudan, and Zambia yielding highly positive outcomes. This intense schedule and the professional way the team handled these important meetings clearly demonstrated the company’s strong reputation and robust international strategy.
The details of the new agreements signed at the fair are not yet public, but they are believed to include collaborations in multiple new countries, which will grow the company’s global presence. To get more insight into this achievement and what’s next for the company, we spoke with CEO Eray Yükseloğlu just before the exhibition closed.
Insights from the Fair: A Brief Q&A with Eray Yükseloğlu
Q: IDEF 2025 seems to have been a major success for you. What were your key takeaways from the event?
A: “The energy and the level of engagement were exceptional. For us, IDEF is a critical barometer for the industry, and the takeaway is clear: the market values reliability and integrated solutions. It’s not just about showcasing products; it’s about demonstrating that you are a credible, long-term partner. We’ve certainly proven that here this week.”
Q: So, how do you plan to build on the success you’ve had here at IDEF? Are there any international trips planned for the near future?
A: “We have no intention of slowing down. I can confirm that our travel schedule for the third quarter is taking shape, and it will include important visits to Senegal in September, followed by the USA in October. In both countries, we will continue our official discussions. We will make a formal announcement with further details shortly. We will be releasing all the particulars soon. We suggest our partners and industry colleagues keep an eye on our announcements.”
Q: “Looking at the bigger picture, how does a successful week here at IDEF influence the company’s direction for the next few years?”
A: “An event like this is fundamental to our direction. Our long-term growth is all about building strong partnerships and driving innovation, and IDEF is precisely where those two things meet. The relationships we’ve strengthened here directly fuel our product development and open up the global markets we’re targeting. So, this week has been a massive step forward for our entire long-term plan.”
Looking ahead, Raff Military Textile’s success at IDEF 2025 should be seen as a pivotal moment that will shape its future. The company’s approach went beyond simple participation; it was a clear investment in long-term relevance. They effectively translated their presence into a foundation for future influence, securing not just today’s business, but strengthening the alliances critical for tomorrow’s opportunities. This proactive performance has set the stage for their next move, and all eyes will now be on the upcoming travel plans that will turn this strategic success into global action.