Baku, September 30, AZERTAC

On 30 September, the official opening ceremony of ADEX 2026 – the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition, a major military and technological platform in the Caucasus region that brings together the global giants of the defence industry – and Securex Caspian – the 15th International Exhibition for Internal Security, Safety and Rescue Equipment, taking place alongside ADEX – was held at the Baku Expo Center.

Vugar Mustafayev, Minister of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan, read out President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the exhibition participants.

Then, Minister of Defence Industry delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

The three-day exhibitions are co-organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence Industry and Caspian Event Organisers.

The exhibition participants and guests then took part in a VIP tour.

This large-scale event is one of the region’s largest showcases of military equipment and weaponry, presenting cutting-edge military technologies and equipment and demonstrating the strength and capabilities of Azerbaijan’s defence industry.

Since ADEX was first held, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, has visited the exhibition and sent official messages of welcome to its participants and guests, reflecting the high level of attention it receives from the state. This not only demonstrates the considerable confidence placed in ADEX but also confirms its status as a national brand of Azerbaijan with an established international reputation.

ADEX’s successful development over the years, the reputation it has gained and its strategic importance were also highlighted in President Ilham Aliyev’s message to the participants of the previous exhibition:

“ADEX plays a unique role in establishing business ties between well-known military and industrial enterprises of friendly and allied countries and leading foreign companies. This exhibition provides ample opportunities for getting acquainted with the latest examples of modern defense technologies and military equipment in various areas of the military industrial complex offered for export on the world arms market, and for signing new agreements in the field of international military-technical cooperation. Hundreds of internationally renowned companies exhibit their products at this event. ADEX is a highly important event for countries strengthening their defense industries, increasing their production capacity, applying modern and innovative tools and exchanging experience.”

ADEX is held on the initiative and with the organisational support of the Ministry of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the support of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The exhibition is organised by the Caspian Event Organisers.

This year, ADEX is setting a new record for the number of participating companies. Accordingly, Pavilion 5 of the Baku Expo Center has been opened specifically for ADEX 2026. This major development marks a new stage in its growth. The opening of Pavilion 5 represents more than an expansion of the exhibition space; it is a clear reflection of growing international interest in Azerbaijan and the country’s defence industry potential, as well as ADEX’s strengthening position in the international defence industry.

This year, 53 countries are represented at ADEX and Securex Caspian. A total of 280 companies and organisations from 30 countries are participating at the exhibitions. In addition to Azerbaijan, countries represented with exhibition stands include Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uzbekistan and others.

This year, the active participation of the United States in ADEX 2026 is particularly noteworthy. Leading US companies such as Northrop Grumman, SIG SAUER, Lockheed Martin, Vantor and Ondas are represented at the exhibition for the first time. Rheinmetall and Rohde & Schwarz from Germany, as well as BAE Systems and other companies from the United Kingdom, also make their debut. Türkiye, meanwhile, is the most widely represented country at the exhibition.

Among the exhibitions’ traditional international participants are Roketsan, Aselsan, Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Havelsan from Türkiye; Leonardo from Italy; CSG from the Czech Republic; EDGE Group from the United Arab Emirates; and INDRA from Spain.

Türkiye’s Roketsan is the General Sponsor of ADEX, while the US company Northrop Grumman is the Country Partner Sponsor.

A total of 14 countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, the Czech Republic, Israel, Italy, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uzbekistan, are represented at the exhibitions with national pavilions.

As an important meeting platform for intergovernmental and military-technical cooperation, ADEX traditionally attracts distinguished guests and delegations from various countries. A total of 59 foreign delegations from 39 countries participate in the ADEX exhibition. These countries include the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Belarus, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, the Czech Republic, Georgia, the Republic of Iraq, the State of Israel, the Italian Republic, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Liberia, Malaysia, Montenegro, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Serbia, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Türkiye, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The main purpose of the high-level delegations’ participation in ADEX is to learn about the latest developments in the defence industry, discuss opportunities for cooperation and establish new partnerships. As part of their visit, meetings are planned with representatives of the relevant Azerbaijani government authorities, local and international defence industry companies, manufacturers and exhibitors.

One of the key new features of ADEX 2026 is that, for the first time, Pavilion 4 of the Baku Expo Center is allocated to Azerbaijan’s national exhibition. The national pavilion is designed to showcase the strength of Azerbaijan’s defence-industrial complex, its production capabilities and technological potential to an international audience in a more coherent and comprehensive way. This format provides greater visibility for local institutions and companies, strengthens cooperation between them and opens up new opportunities for cooperation with international partners. Government bodies and companies from Azerbaijan’s defence industry, technology, space industry and engineering sectors showcase their latest products and solutions together in the dedicated pavilion.

In addition to supporting the exhibition, the Ministry of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan is represented by a joint stand together with its subordinate entities: AzerSilah Defence Industry Holding Closed Joint-Stock Company, the Defence Industry Research and Innovation Centre public legal entity, and MIRAS Military-Industrial Company LLC. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan also has its own stand at the exhibition, showcasing its key areas of activity and capabilities.

The growing scale of the exhibition is also reflected in the area it covers. In addition to the indoor exhibition space at the Baku Expo Center, ADEX also extends to the outdoor exhibition area. The outdoor exhibition area features large stands from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerSilah Defence Industry Holding, VLand Systems LLC, Improtex, AZDEF and Exclases Holdings Limited, showcasing their latest technologies and solutions.

ADEX 2026 features ships, vessels and naval systems, military uniforms and equipment, military laboratories, military educational institutions and military organisations, export promotion companies, logistics services, medical supplies, engineering systems and facilities, defence and security consulting, optoelectronic equipment and systems, unmanned systems, chemical, biological and radiation (CBR) protection, radio-electronic systems and C4ISR technologies, weapons production equipment, weapons and ammunition, tools and technologies for weapons disposal, simulators and training systems, research institutes, aircraft and aviation systems, video surveillance systems and security alarms, armoured combat vehicles and other areas.

Military vehicles and small arms solutions also feature prominently among the innovations showcased at the exhibition. Türkiye’s BMC presents the new PAMİR 4×4 military vehicle, designed for the transportation of personnel and logistical cargo, the upgraded KİRPİ II 4×4 equipped with the local TUNA engine, as well as the VURAN 4×4, distinguished by its high durability and manoeuvrability in challenging climatic and terrain conditions, to international visitors at ADEX 2026.

Alongside international manufacturers, Azerbaijani companies also represent well-known global defence brands at the exhibition. USH Group represents Italy’s Beretta, a company with a 500-year history. One of the world’s oldest firearms manufacturers, Beretta is known for products designed for military, law-enforcement, hunting and shooting sports. The company’s modern small arms and defence solutions will be presented at the exhibition.

Az-Tex-Import represents Italy’s military vehicle manufacturer Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV). Visitors can explore the company’s tactical and logistics transport solutions designed for a range of operational conditions.

The cyber security sector is a key focus at the Securex Caspian exhibition, organised with the support of the Ministry of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Special Communication and Information Security State Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Organizations Association and Azerbaijan Exhibition Organisers Association. The latest technologies, innovative solutions and advanced approaches in this sector are showcased.

The Securex Caspian exhibition showcases equipment intended for law enforcement, border, rescue, fire and special services, as well as integrated security systems and promising technological solutions. The exhibition features forensic tools and systems, operational search equipment, access control and management systems, special-purpose vehicles for law enforcement agencies, information security, security services, emergency and rescue equipment, security-related education, video surveillance systems, specialised clothing and equipment, as well as fire safety solutions.

Taking place simultaneously, ADEX and Securex Caspian bring together the defence industry and internal security sectors in a single venue. Alongside defence industry technologies and military equipment, the exhibitions also showcase internal security, protection and rescue equipment, as well as cyber security solutions.

The programme of the exhibitions extends beyond the exhibition displays. At ADEX and Securex Caspian, participants and visitors are offered a comprehensive business programme covering the defence industry, internal security, education and professional training, innovation and advanced technologies.

One of the key elements of the business programme is the presentation of the National Research Support Programme. Its inclusion in the business programme demonstrates ADEX’s continued commitment to supporting innovative initiatives and promising technological solutions.

In addition, throughout the exhibition days, a technology session “Modern Defence Industry: Innovative Technologies and Development Prospects”, an innovation session “Artificial Intelligence and Secure Digital Systems: Data Management and Cyber Resilience”, an interactive workshop “Cyber and Information Threats: Recognise, Analyse and Respond Effectively”, an academic session “From Knowledge to Technological Leadership: The Future of Science–University–Industry Collaboration”, a panel discussion “Modern Challenges: Electronic Warfare and Communication Systems Security”, an innovation talk “Defence and Cybersecurity Startups — From Idea to Success”, and a training session “Crisis Management: Practical Skills for Emergency Situations” are organised. These events provide opportunities for professional discussion and the exchange of expertise. At the same time, a parade of military personnel representing different branches of the Armed Forces takes place as part of the exhibition.

For the first time in ADEX’s history, the exhibition has launched its official merchandise. Created exclusively for ADEX 2026, the branded collection forms part of the exhibition’s visual identity and give participants and visitors a lasting memento of ADEX. The collection features stylish and practical items bearing the ADEX 2026 branding. The official merchandise is available to participants and visitors at a dedicated area during the exhibition.

In addition, the ADEX News newspaper, dedicated to ADEX 2026, will be published. The newspaper will feature news on the latest developments and innovations presented by participating companies, as well as interviews with high-level guests attending the exhibition, members of various delegations and industry professionals.

Bilateral talks between representatives of Azerbaijan’s state institutions, international delegations and participating companies are of particular importance as part of ADEX 2026. These meetings provide opportunities to establish new business contacts, expand military-technical cooperation, implement joint projects and develop long-term strategic partnerships.

In view of the exhibition’s professional focus, ADEX 2026 is open exclusively to military personnel, employees of security and law enforcement agencies, individuals involved in the military and defense industry and related sectors, as well as cadets of military higher education institutions. Employees of commercial organisations are allowed to visit the exhibition only on 2 October by presenting a valid ID card or passport.

Absheron Hotel Group, Accurate Az LLC and Bilboard.al are also sponsors of the ADEX exhibition.

Up-to-date information about the exhibitions is available on the official websites (www.adex.az and www.securexcaspian.az) and through their social media accounts.