Comparison matrix
Two to four shows, side by side, on the numbers that decide a booth: delegations, attendance, floor space and what a credible stand costs. Rows marked estimate come from the research layer, not from an organiser price list.
| Attribute | IDEFRemove IDEF3–9 May 2027 | AUSA Annual Meeting & ExpositionRemove AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition12–14 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 3–9 May 20277 days | 12–14 Oct 20263 days |
| Registration | — | — |
| Location | Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul Expo Center (İstanbul Fuar Merkezi) | Washington, D.C., United StatesWalter E. Washington Convention Center |
| Format | Trade shows & exhibitionsMiddle East | Trade shows & exhibitionsNorth AmericaNATO |
| Attendanceestimate | 120,000+ visitors (IDEF 2025, 17th edition) | 30,000+ attendees |
| Exhibitorsestimate | 1,491 exhibitors from 49 countries (IDEF 2025) | — |
| Delegationsestimate | 231 official delegations from 103 countries (IDEF 2025) | — |
| Floor spaceestimate | ~72,000 sqm indoor + outdoor static areas at Atatürk Airport apron and Ataköy Marina (IDEF 2025) | — |
| Budget tierestimate | Flagship | — |
| Exhibitor costestimate | Not yet published; IDEF 2027 booth sales process to be announced via official channels | — |
| Visitor costestimate | Professional visitor registration required; public days available on weekend; exact pricing not yet published for 2027 edition | paid |
| Audience | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions | PrimesSMEsInstitutions |
| Topics | Land systemsAirMaritimeUAS / DronesMunitions & Missiles | Land systemsC-UASISR & SensorsProcurement |
| Organiser | KFA Fuarcılık A.Ş. (under the management of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation / TSKGV) | Association of the United States Army |
| Editionestimate | 18th edition (since 1993; originally staged as IDEA from 1987) | — |
| Patronageestimate | Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence; supported by the Presidency of Defence Industries of the Republic of Türkiye; under the management and responsibility of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) | — |
| Why it matters | IDEF is one of the top four defence fairs in the world by number of participating companies and delegations, making it a critical venue for market access into Türkiye, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. The fair consistently generates billions of dollars in signed contracts and hosts senior procurement delegations from over 100 countries, giving exhibitors direct access to end-user decision-makers. Its 'Defenders of Tomorrow' platform also provides SMEs and startups a dedicated route to engage with prime contractors and government buyers. | The anchor event for anyone selling to the US Army. Program offices and primes are present in force; ideal for SMEs seeking subcontracting and teaming opportunities. |
| Links | DossierOfficial site | DossierOfficial site |
Estimates are compiled from public organiser material and press coverage, and are indicative only. Confirm pricing with the organiser before committing budget. Research confidence: IDEF — high; AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition — not researched.