Baku, September 13 (AZERTAC). President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev has visited the Azerbaijan International Defence Industry Exhibition - ADEX 2014 held for the first time in Azerbaijan and the region.

Thanks to the purposeful measures undertaken by President Ilham Aliyev in recent years, significant success has been achieved in all spheres of life including army building. Among them is the activity of the Ministry of Defense Industry created in accordance with the head of state`s order from 2005. The reconstruction of the enterprises under the ministry within a short period of time, the acquisition of the latest technological equipment demonstrate the significance the Supreme Commander-in-chief attaches to the development of this sector. Various manufacturing divisions have been created at these enterprises. They opened up ample opportunities for providing the Armed Forces with defense products that meet modern requirements. As a result of the work done, the Ministry of Defense Industry cooperates with developed countries in the field of aviation, navigation, instrument engineering and other areas. The goods produced at the enterprises of the ministry since 2009 have been demonstrated at defense industry exhibitions abroad where they always attract great interest. The international exhibition of defense industry was held in Azerbaijan for the first time. While Azerbaijan presented 27 items in the first exhibition, the country now demonstrates 168 items at the ADEX 2014. This exhibition became a demonstration of the modern weapons and equipment and power of Azerbaijan in the national defense. The Azerbaijan international defense industry exhibition was initiated and supported by the ministries of defense industry and defense. The idea of conducting the exhibition is closely linked with the success achieved in the defense industry in recent years. Thanks to the development in all industrial sectors, Azerbaijan has become the leader and strategic partner both in regional and international markets.

The projects implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev positively affect the strengthening of security and development of cooperation in the region. The military and industrial complex of Azerbaijan has implemented some large-scale projects and significantly expanded its capacity. At the moment, Azerbaijan produces 900 items of military products, including all kinds of ammunition, various equipment and weapons. The Ministry of Defense Industry rapidly expands its military and technical cooperation with many countries.

Minister of Defense Industry Yavar Jamalov informed President Ilham Aliyev about the exhibition. It was noted that the great interest shown by state bodies, business community and industrial structures of Azerbaijan and foreign countries confirms the relevance and significance of this event.

First, the head of state reviewed the stand of the Ministry of Defense Industry. The establishment of the Ministry of Defense Industry is an important component of the work done in the years of independence in the field of army building in Azerbaijan. Currently, the Ministry of Defense Industry works to manufacture weapons, ministry and engineering equipment, spare parts, ammunition and other defense products. The Ministry has five production enterprises and two research institutes. At the same time, the Ministry exports its products to foreign countries in compliance with relevant legislation and norms of international law. Cooperating in the military field with advanced countries, the ministry realizes the projects aimed at manufacturing various defence goods. President Ilham Aliyev reiterated that the products manufactured in Azerbaijan played an important role in equipping the Azerbaijani army.

The head of state visited the pavilions of foreign companies participating in the exhibition. French company DCNS Group, one of the world’s leading companies in naval defense, provides services for naval bases.

Turkey is represented at the exhibition by several companies. For example, Roketsan is engaged in designing and manufacturing systems on the basis of individual requests of the customer. Functioning since 1975, Aselsan company offers communications tools, radar, radio-electronic, electronic-optical, navigation and aviation electronic equipment, weapons, multifunctional data control systems and other high technologies.

State concern Ukroboronprom is represented well at the exhibition. Comprising 134 enterprises, which are part of the military and industrial complex of Ukraine, the company is engaged in export and import of military and special products. Poland`s pavilion offers a wide range of products. The Armaments Group, one of the biggest Polish manufacturers of defense products, plays an important role in developing the national security system and the whole Polish economy.

One of the peculiarities of the present exhibition is that much attention is paid to the history of Azerbaijan including the history of army build-up in the country. The rich exposition of weapons and flags of the Museum of Azerbaijani History demonstrated at the exhibition confirms that our country has great army traditions. Israeli companies are represented at the high level at the Azerbaijan international exhibition of defense industry. Plasan company offers tactical military vehicles, planes, helicopters and individual defense equipment, while Rafael demonstrates a wide range of high technology defense systems for air, ground, sea and space. Products of the Israel Weapons Industries cause interest too. Belarus is represented at the exhibition by seven companies. Agat-Control Systems produces battle management systems for ground forces, air force and air defense. Other companies participating in the exhibition also offer high technologies in defence industry.

Russia is one of the major participants of the exhibition as the country is represented by 14 companies. Rosoboronexport is one of the leaders in the world's weapons market and ensures 80 percent of the annual weapons sale of Russia. Other companies at the exhibition representing Russia, which established military and technical cooperation with over 70 countries, also demonstrate high-technology defense products. The company closely cooperating with Azerbaijan produces sophisticated equipment, devices and armored vehicles for the defence forces, internal security and peacekeeping operations all around the world.

China, represented by six companies, also demonstrates high-technology defense products. Chinese CETC is famous, for the most part, for producing electronic components and electronic equipment. The company is present in over 100 countries throughout the world and has high level of goods produced.

French company MBDA, which is reputable in Western Europe, rose to prominence thanks to the creation of a wide range of rocket systems used in all branches of armed forces.

While familiarizing himself with the exhibition, President Ilham Aliyev was given a new model of a pistol produced at the enterprises of the Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan.

Then, the head of state got acquainted with the other part of the exhibition organized in the yard of the Baku Expo Center. It mostly demonstrates equipment, weapons and ammunition used in field conditions and in the air forces.

The Azerbaijan international exhibition of defense industry is attended by 200 companies and 22 official delegations from 34 countries. Azerbaijan, represented in the exhibition by 37 companies, has a large exposition. The great interest in the exhibition once demonstrates the important role and significance of Azerbaijan as a reliable strategic partner.

The Azerbaijan international exhibition of defense industry is an effective platform for demonstrating potential of the national military-industrial complex, modern defense technologies and new types of military equipment, as well as for building international cooperation. The fact that such a specialized exhibition is conducted in Baku will give an impetus to the development of the defense industry in Azerbaijan and contribute to ensuring global competitiveness of military goods produced in the country.

“Modern methods of warfare and security challenges” conference, which will be held as part of the exhibition, will discuss topical issues of the modern military and technical policy. As a whole, the conference will be attended by over 200 specialists and military experts as well as representatives of state bodies and companies.