This was announced by Samir Agabalayev, head of the Ministry of Defense Industry’s department, during a press conference marking the opening of the 5th anniversary ADEX exhibition dedicated to the defense industry. Details of the agreements will be made public later, he added.
The exhibition will showcase weapons produced in Azerbaijan, developed by local designers. The Ministry continues to enhance the qualifications of these designers to meet international standards.
“We hope that in the coming years, they will develop new types of weapons. From our side, everything is being done for their mass production,” Agabalayev stated.
He further noted that Azerbaijani weapons proved their strength during the 44-day Karabakh war and recent counter-terrorism operations.
Meanwhile, 193 types of weapons will be displayed at three stands. For the first time, participants will see a 12.7 mm machine gun and a sniper rifle, said Gulsum Rzayeva, head of the Military-Technical Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Defense Industry.
It should be noted that from September 24 to 26, the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition ADEX – the largest event in the region dedicated to the defense industry – will take place at the Baku Expo Center. Alongside, the 14th International Exhibition “Internal Security, Protection, and Rescue Equipment” Securex Caspian will be held.
The first ADEX exhibition was organized in 2014. While this year marks its 5th anniversary, the exhibition has been running successfully for 10 years, growing in both participants and covered sectors. Over the decade, it has brought together numerous companies representing over 50 countries and nearly 200 official delegations. More than 30,000 guests have visited the exhibition during this period.
From the very first ADEX exhibition, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has familiarized himself with the exhibition and sent a greeting letter to the participants and guests, underscoring the event’s high status and importance.
ADEX is a significant event in the defense and security sector, not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire region. It is one of the largest military technology exhibitions in the region, showcasing the strength and capabilities of Azerbaijan’s defense industry. The ADEX exhibition serves as an effective platform for presenting cutting-edge technologies, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting the development of Azerbaijan’s defense industry.
In 2024, the scope of the ADEX and Securex Caspian exhibitions will significantly expand compared to previous years. This year’s events will occupy the entire exhibition space of the Baku Expo Center, including the new 4th pavilion and an outdoor area. Approximately 270 companies from 38 countries have confirmed their participation. In addition to Azerbaijan, participant countries include Belarus, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Israel, Spain, Italy, Qatar, China, Lithuania, the UAE, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, the USA, Turkey, Ukraine, and others.
This year, 34% of the participants are new companies. Hungary, Qatar, Singapore, and Slovakia will be participating for the first time. Fourteen countries will present national pavilions, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Qatar, China, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. The number of participants has increased by 32% compared to 2022.
High-level official delegations from 27 countries are expected to attend the exhibition, with over 300 delegates from countries such as Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bahrain, Hungary, Vietnam, Georgia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Somalia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Croatia.
The gold sponsors of ADEX are Baykar and Israel Aerospace Industries, while Barzan Holdings is the bronze sponsor. A crucial aspect of the successful organization of this exhibition is the active support from relevant government bodies. The Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan not only supports the event but will also be represented this year by the “AzerSilah” holding company, showcasing in two pavilions and an outdoor exhibition area. For the first time, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan will also participate with its own stand.
ADEX 2024 will feature unmanned systems, combat vehicles, military apparel and equipment, military laboratories, training centers, aircraft and aviation systems, research institutes, defense consultancy services, logistics, medical supplies, naval vessels and systems, weapons manufacturing equipment, and much more. This year, the exhibition will expand to include a new sector dedicated to cybersecurity.
In parallel, Securex Caspian will showcase cutting-edge equipment for law enforcement, border, rescue, and fire services, as well as for special units.
A rich business program is planned for both ADEX and Securex Caspian. There will be a presentation of a startup project, “The National Military-Industrial Complex of the Future.” Startups working in the fields of defense technology, robotics, rescue operations, and cybersecurity will have the opportunity to present their projects.
Panel discussions will cover topics such as “Azerbaijan’s Experience in Restoring Liberated Territories,” “Automation and Robotics in Defense: Prospects and Challenges,” “The Use of Modern Medical Equipment in Military Medicine,” “New Technologies in Defense: Drones and Unmanned Systems,” and many more.
Additionally, the Baku Expo Center will host a military history museum exhibit titled “Path to Victory in Moments,” along with a virtual reality zone.
Coinciding with ADEX and Securex Caspian, the first International Conference on Cyber Diplomacy (ICCD) will take place on September 25 at the Fairmont Baku Hotel, organized by the Special Communication and Information Security Service of Azerbaijan and the Romanian Cyber Diplomacy Center.
Zarina Orudzhalieva
Translated from minval.az
