Azerbaijani defence minister reviews homegrown innovations at ADEX 2024 VIDEO

Azerbaijani Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has visited the stands of the National Defence University and other educational institutions during the 5th anniversary Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX).

Hasanov learned that the team from the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute successfully advanced through the qualifying rounds of the TEKNOFEST 2024 technology contest in Türkiye, reaching the finals with their project, the "Toratan drone ZN-44", Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry.

Among the highlights at the National Defence University’s stand is the "Xilaskar" (Saviour) drone, developed by cadets from the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute, which secured third place at the aerospace engineering and technology festival "TEKNOFEST Azerbaijan" held in Baku in 2022.

ADEX is taking place at the Baku Expo Center from September 24 to September 26, marking the largest event in the region focused on the defence industry. This year’s exhibition coincides with the 14th International Exhibition for Internal Security, Safety, and Rescue Equipment (Securex Caspian), featuring global participants.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, ADEX has built on a decade of experience, continually expanding its roster of exhibitors and sectors with each iteration. Since its inception in 2014, the event has attracted numerous companies and welcomed over 200 official delegations from more than 50 countries, with over 30,000 visitors to date.

This year, the exhibition occupies the entire Baku Expo Center, including its newly opened 4th hall and outdoor areas, with 270 companies from 38 countries confirmed to participate. Countries such as Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, the UAE, the UK, Ukraine, and the United States are all represented. Notably, new companies account for 34% of this year’s total participants, with Hungary, Qatar, Singapore, and Slovakia making their first appearances since the 2022 edition.

Fourteen countries are showcasing national pavilions, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Compared to the previous event in 2022, the number of exhibitors has risen by 32%.

ADEX traditionally draws high-level delegations and distinguished guests from various nations, consistently gaining global attention for its emphasis on cutting-edge defence technology. The exhibition continues to play a crucial role in promoting international collaboration within the defence sector.

By Tamilla Hasanova