Turkish defense firms showcase platforms at Nigeria defense expo

By Firdevs Bulut Kartal and Emir Yildirim

ANKARA/ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish defense companies are participating in the Africa International Defense Exhibition 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday to showcase their technological capabilities.

The four-day event, running from Monday through Thursday, is organized by the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria to promote security cooperation and technology transfer across the continent.

The expo is expected to attract more than 500 global firms, over 20,000 visitors and more than 100 official delegations.

The trade fair covers land, air, sea, space and cybersecurity domains.

The exhibition floor features military hardware ranging from armored tactical vehicles, artillery systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to advanced radar, naval platforms and sonar navigation solutions.

A defense summit held alongside the fair is hosting more than 200 international speakers across 25 sessions on counterterrorism, maritime security and regional peacekeeping.

Turkish defense firms are attending under a national pavilion coordinated by Türkiye's Secretariat of Defense Industries to explore new partnerships.

The Turkish delegation includes Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Havelsan, MKE, STM, Skydagger, Med Marine, Isbir Generator and Ipek Defense.

Türkiye's participation is part of its broader effort to expand defense ties across Africa.

National pavilions from the US, China, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, India, Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia and South Korea are also taking part in the event.