Analytics and Reports, Military Analytics, Trade Show Analytics

Global Defense Industrial Base and Exhibitions Intelligence Report: October 10, 2026

1.0 Executive Summary

The global defense industry is changing. Middle-power countries are moving away from buying standard, off-the-shelf weapons. Instead, they are setting up local factories, sharing designs, and forming joint partnerships. This helps them protect their supply lines, which have become less reliable.

Over the past two weeks, four major defense shows highlighted these changes. The Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026) showed how Azerbaijan went from buying most of its weapons to making and selling them. This change is tied to close work with Turkish defense companies and a growing local private sector1. At the same time, Land Forces 2026 in Perth, Australia, put the AUKUS Pillar II plan into action. The event featured large investments in making local weapons, uncrewed coastal boats, and anti-drone tech2.

In East Asia, the Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX 2026) focused on South Korea’s plan to export more ground combat vehicles, meeting the high global demand for tanks and artillery4. Finally, the Marrakech Airshow 2026 in Morocco showed the growth of aviation manufacturing in North Africa. This event acts as a link between big Western defense companies and local suppliers6.

Together, these events show that military buyers are now focusing on getting ready for long conflicts. They want cheap, mass-produced exploding drones, better electronic jammers, and local factories. The main takeaway is that military independence now relies just as much on having local factories to keep supplying parts during long wars as it does on the weapons themselves.

1.1 Summary Table of Key Events

The following table provides a structural overview of the primary defense industry exhibitions analyzed in this report, detailing their operational focus and most significant commercial or technological milestones.

Event NameLocation and DatesKey Focus AreaMajor Technological Debut or Contract
ADEX 2026Baku, Azerbaijan (September 30 to October 2, 2026)Land, Air, and Unmanned SystemsDebut of Baykar KASIRGA vertical take-off strike drone; Aselsan radar procurement agreement.
Land Forces 2026Perth, Australia (October 6 to 8, 2026)Land Forces, Littoral Maneuver, AUKUSNIOA and MBDA memorandum for domestic production of the Deluge loitering munition.
KADEX 2026Gyeryongdae, South Korea (October 6 to 10, 2026)Ground Combat SystemsUnveiling of the Korean New Infantry Fighting Vehicle by Hanwha Aerospace.
Marrakech Airshow 2026Marrakech, Morocco (October 7 to 10, 2026)Aerospace and Defense IndustrializationLockheed Martin industrial partnerships; establishment of the first Israeli national pavilion.

2.0 Detailed Event Breakdowns

2.1 ADEX 2026 (Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition)

The sixth Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition took place at the Baku Expo Center and marked a big step for the defense industry in Azerbaijan. It had 277 companies from 30 countries and 59 foreign groups. Organizers had to open a fourth hall just for the national display1. This space showed off Azersilah, a state-owned group created in 2023 to manage the making and selling of weapons. This shows a clear plan to rely less on foreign gear1. According to the Global Defense Industry and Tradeshow Intelligence Report: September 2026, the event proved it is a main hub for local defense production in the area10.

Participating Nations and Major Defense Contractors The event featured many of Baku’s close partners. Turkish companies (like Aselsan, Baykar, Turkish Aerospace, and Roketsan) had the biggest foreign setup11. The Russian state seller Rosoboronexport was also there, along with Western and Middle Eastern groups like Leonardo, Czechoslovak Group, EDGE Group, and Northrop Grumman, which was a main sponsor14. Having all these different companies shows how Azerbaijan works with many different countries for its defense needs.

Key Technological Debuts and Prototype Displays Azerbaijan used ADEX 2026 to show new weapons it makes at home. This highlights a move to build more of the items needed for modern, unequal conflicts. The biggest reveals were new drone systems and local air defense setups.

System NameManufacturerSystem ClassificationKey Technical Specifications and Capabilities
KASIRGABayraktar Teknoloji AzerbaijanVertical Take-Off Loitering Munition33 kilogram maximum weight, 222 kilometers per hour top speed, 60 to 90 kilometer range, 5 kilogram warhead.
DT-001Deftech (Blackyard)Mothership Unmanned Aerial VehicleServes as an aerial deployment platform for F-1500 (1.5 kilogram) and F-5000 (5 kilogram) loitering munitions.
CWS-30GD VikingDomestic ConsortiumShort-Range Air Defense SystemDesigned as a localized alternative to the Russian Pantsir system for intercepting drone swarms.
MGK MK-82 SkyDiverAzersilahPrecision Guided Munition250 kilogram laser-guided bomb designed for integration with existing tactical aircraft.

The Baykar KASIRGA is a new take on exploding drones. Made by a local Baykar branch in the Sumgayit Industrial Park, it takes off straight up and carries a camera that can be reused1. Unlike older drones that crash and explode no matter what, the KASIRGA can fly back to base if it does not find a target. This saves its 5-kilogram bomb for later17. This makes the drones much more useful and cheaper to use over time, as troops can send them out just to look around without losing the aircraft.

Major Contracts and Memorandums of Understanding The show brought in over 500 million US dollars in deals, linking the local defense field closer to Turkish makers19.

  • Turkish Aerospace Aircraft Deal: Azerbaijan bought 14 Hürkuş-II training planes11. The head of Turkish Aerospace, Mehmet Demiroğlu, said later steps will likely include making parts for these planes inside Azerbaijan. This shares knowledge and trains local workers.
  • Aselsan Partnerships: The Turkish tech company signed two big deals. One sets up a factory in the Nakhchivan area. The other is a plan to sell and install the ALP 100 radar system for the local military12.
  • Deftech Export Deal: A local private company, Deftech, confirmed it is selling its DT-001 drone systems to Pakistan. Deftech is running test flights and training operators in Pakistan right now. This is a rare case of a former Soviet country selling advanced drones to a major Asian military21.

2.2 Land Forces 2026

Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Land Forces 2026 was the biggest land defense event in Australian history. It brought in 964 groups, including 206 from other countries, showing how important the Indo-Pacific area is becoming3. The show heavily featured the AUKUS Pillar II plan and the 2024 National Defence Strategy. These rules tell the Australian Army to focus more on long-range attacks and coastal movement3. A 34 percent budget increase for land forces over the next ten years made the event very attractive for defense companies.

Participating Nations and Major Defense Contractors The show featured many local Australian companies and huge global defense builders. Big names included BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Thales, Saab, Rheinmetall, and MBDA24. The Australian Department of Defence used the event to set up many meetings (called Pitch to the Primes) to help local small businesses get work with these giant global companies.

Key Technological Debuts and Prototype Displays The displays focused on self-driving tech, laser weapons, and better factory setups to keep the supply chain safe and local.

  • EOS Anti-Drone Systems: Australian company Electro Optic Systems showed off ways to take down drones, a huge need right now. They debuted the Slinger remote gun and the 100W Apollo laser14. The Apollo laser is built to stop large groups of drones. It works well when standard bullets or missiles might run out, because the laser can keep firing as long as it has power.
  • MBDA Deluge Drone: MBDA and Australian company NIOA showed a small model of the Deluge. It is a jet-powered, single-use drone meant to overwhelm heavy defenses. It can fly up to 500 kilometers, travels at Mach 0.4, and carries a 50-kilogram bomb25.
  • DroneShield Software Link: DroneShield, based in Sydney, announced a team-up with a Dutch software company called Intelic. They will provide adaptable anti-drone control software for Europe. This shows that Australian tech can be sold and used globally26.

Major Contracts and Memorandums of Understanding The deals at Land Forces 2026 showed that the Australian government wants to make military goods at home.

  • NIOA and MBDA Factory Deal: After a 72 million Australian dollar contract in June 2026, NIOA and MBDA agreed to build the Deluge drone in large numbers locally. A key feature is that the Deluge uses standard M795 artillery shells already made by Rheinmetall NIOA in Queensland2. Making them in France starts in 2027, with Australian assembly right after2. Using existing artillery shells makes the weapon much faster and cheaper to build.
  • Aquaterro Helmet Deal: The government gave Victorian company Aquaterro a deal worth up to 160 million Australian dollars over seven years. Under the Land 300 program, Aquaterro will supply and fix combat helmets. They will get technical help from SIG Sauer but make the special camo covers completely in Australia27. This keeps important safety gear available even if shipping lanes break down.

2.3 KADEX 2026 (Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition)

Held at the Gyeryongdae military base, KADEX 2026 proved that South Korea is now a top seller of heavy ground combat gear4. The show was set up on a single large floor to make it easy for visiting defense leaders to meet and buy directly from the government4.

Participating Nations and Major Defense Contractors Official groups from 27 countries came, along with hundreds of local and global companies. Big local names like Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem took up the most space. They were joined by global tech companies like Hensoldt, which showed off cameras and sensors for tanks4.

Key Technological Debuts and Prototype Displays The event was filled with heavy tanks, long-range guns, and new computer smarts added to standard combat vehicles. A big highlight was Hanwha Aerospace showing the Korean New Infantry Fighting Vehicle (K-NIFV). This vehicle is the next step in moving troops and giving fire support. Experts say it has advanced shields and armor made to stop drones that attack from above. This design comes directly from watching recent fighting in Eastern Europe33.

Major Contracts and Memorandums of Understanding While exact details are kept secret during talks, organizers said KADEX 2026 brought in about 15.8 billion US dollars (22 trillion South Korean won) in deals and plans. This huge amount shows that many countries want South Korean defense gear. Buyers like South Korea because they deliver fast, make good products, and are willing to share their technology, which many Western companies will not do.

2.4 Marrakech Airshow 2026

The Marrakech Airshow 2026 took place at the Royal Moroccan Air Force Base. It showed that North Africa is becoming a major center for making aircraft parts and a key spot for defense teamwork34. Supported by King Mohammed VI, the event focused on bringing local plane part makers into the global supply network. This positions Morocco as a good backup factory location for big Western companies34.

Participating Nations and Major Defense Contractors Lockheed Martin was a main sponsor. This shows the United States wants to use Morocco as a strong industrial base in the region7. Also, Israel opened its own national stand at the show for the first time, displaying gear from Israeli companies right next to the Turkish company Aselsan6.

Key Technological Debuts and Prototype Displays Lockheed Martin brought full-size models of its best gear, like the Sniper targeting camera, the Javelin tank-killer missile, and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)37. Displaying these specific weapons matches Morocco’s current plan to upgrade its military. Morocco wants to stop local threats and protect its borders using long-range rockets and better flying cameras.

Major Contracts and Memorandums of Understanding The main goal of the show was to build factory partnerships, not just sell ready-made items. Lockheed Martin ran a special Defense Day to link Moroccan aircraft businesses with its worldwide supply chain36. Morocco already has about 150 aircraft companies that make over 2.6 billion US dollars a year in exports36. Teaming up with local businesses is key to Lockheed Martin’s plan to fix planes and make parts locally. During the event, the Moroccan government pushed its big goal to completely build an aircraft engine at home by 2028. To attract foreign money, they are offering tax breaks, free import duties, and cheaper utility bills for factories.

3.0 Strategic and Supply Chain Implications

Looking at all the details from ADEX, Land Forces, KADEX, and Marrakech reveals some major changes in how the world makes weapons. As noted in the Top 10 Global Defense and Small Arms Trade Exhibitions: 2025-2026 report, the market is quickly moving to a wartime setup that focuses on local factories and mixed combat styles39. The old way (where top-tier countries sell finished, complicated gear to smaller countries) is ending. Now, countries are sharing licenses to build things locally. This change is happening because supply lines are fragile, and having a safe supply line is now just as important as having the best tech.

3.1 Mass Production of Exploding Drones The shows proved that exploding drones have moved from being rare, custom tools to everyday must-haves for modern armies. The Baykar KASIRGA in Azerbaijan and the MBDA Deluge in Australia show a new trend: separating the bomb from the flying machine itself16.

Countries want drones like the Deluge that they can build fast using normal store-bought parts or regular civilian factories. Putting standard artillery shells (like the M795 made by Rheinmetall NIOA) inside self-flying drones is a massive change. It lets armies use the ammo they already have and the factories they already run to hit targets far away. This skips the slow and costly process of building traditional cruise missiles2. Also, the KASIRGA shows that as cameras get cheaper, armies want drones they can reuse. They want to look for targets all day without throwing away the drone if they don’t find anything17.

3.2 Local Control and Bringing Factories Home Recent wars and issues at sea have shown how easy it is for supply lines to break. Because of this, mid-sized countries now demand that new weapons be built locally.

The facts show that buying weapons is now about building up local factories at the same time. In Australia, the helmet deal with Aquaterro and the NIOA bomb factory show a strict rule from the government: important gear must be fixed and made onshore, safe from shipping delays25.

Azerbaijan is a great example of this fast factory growth. Backed heavily by Turkish shared knowledge (like the Aselsan factory and the Hürkuş-II plane deal), Baku is using state groups like Azersilah to stop relying on Russian weapons9. By making items at home and using Turkish gear that works with NATO, Azerbaijan is keeping its military ready and staying independent. Morocco’s aircraft growth shows the same idea. They are using their closeness to Europe and good trade deals with the US to become a main repair and parts hub for big companies like Lockheed Martin7.

3.3 The Shift to Lasers and Electronic Jamming The massive number of cheap drones has completely changed how ground troops protect themselves. This was clear at all the tradeshows. Anti-drone tech is no longer an optional extra; it is standard gear for all foot soldiers and tanks.

Armies are moving away from just shooting bullets or rockets at targets. Firing a million-dollar missile at a thousand-dollar drone costs too much and runs out of ammo too fast. So, the industry is turning to lasers and electronic jamming. Tools like the EOS 100W Apollo laser at Land Forces and the Viking system in Azerbaijan show that armies expect skies full of drones. They need to quickly spot the real threats and shoot them down cheaply14. Also, software deals, like the one between DroneShield and Intelic, show that armies need flexible computer programs that can learn and block new drone tactics instantly2.

3.4 Blending Civilian Tech with Military Buying Finally, the sheer number of business-to-business meetings over the past two weeks points to a big change in how armies buy things. Events like the Pitch to the Primes meetings at Land Forces show that militaries are trying to skip the slow, traditional buying process.

Defense groups are now looking straight at civilian startup companies to find quick fixes for AI, 3D printing, and self-driving tech. The military world is mixing deeply with the regular tech world. Governments realize that regular tech companies invent things in just months, while military projects take years. They need this civilian speed to keep their military edge in a fast-moving world.

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Sources Used

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