ADEX is the largest defence exhibition in the Caspian region, held biennially in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 6th edition runs 30 September to 2 October 2026 at the Baku Expo Center, convening international defence companies, military delegations, procurement officials, and homeland security stakeholders under the joint auspices of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence Industry and Ministry of Defence.
ADEX (Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition) is a biennial defence industry exhibition held at the Baku Expo Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is organised by Caspian Event Organisers LLC and held on the initiative and with the organisational support of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence Industry and Ministry of Defence. First staged in 2014, the event has grown into the largest defence industry platform in the Caspian and South Caucasus region. The 6th edition takes place 30 September to 2 October 2026. Exhibiting categories include land systems, naval systems, aviation, unmanned systems, homeland security, and emerging defence technologies.
ADEX was established in 2014 as Azerbaijan sought to position itself as a regional hub for defence industry development, following significant investments in its domestic defence-industrial base. Each biennial edition has expanded its international footprint. By the 2024 edition (5th), the show recorded 270 exhibitor-companies from 14 national groups, 9,304 visitors, and 53 international military delegations -- indicators of its status as the primary regional platform for Caspian and South Caucasus defence engagement. A Startup track was introduced in recent editions to showcase innovation and emerging technology companies.
The 6th ADEX takes place 30 September to 2 October 2026 amid sustained growth in Azerbaijani defence spending and expanded regional influence following recent geopolitical developments. Working hours for visitors are: 30 September (Wednesday) 14:00-18:00; 1 October (Thursday) 10:00-18:00; 2 October (Friday) 10:00-17:00. International companies seeking access to Azerbaijani military leadership and procurement networks, or seeking introductions to the Ministry of Defence Industry, identify ADEX as the most efficient entry point. The Startup programme, introduced in previous editions, continues to feature innovative defence technology companies.
ADEX occupies a unique position as the only internationally recognised defence exhibition in the Caspian region, alternating on a biennial cycle. It falls in late September/early October, in the autumn exhibition season, typically two weeks before or after other regional events. For companies targeting Central Asia, the Caucasus, and neighbouring markets, ADEX provides a concentration of decision-makers that cannot be accessed at larger Western European shows such as DSEI or Eurosatory.
Military delegations from over 53 countries attended the 2024 edition, invited directly by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence Industry -- a distinctive feature that gives exhibitors direct access to senior military procurement officials from across the region and beyond. Visitor profiles include military and defence ministry personnel, procurement officers, security and homeland protection officials, commercial buyers, researchers, and industry representatives. Products across navy, aviation, army, and homeland security categories are covered. The 2024 edition drew participants from 14 national groups.
ADEX is primarily a trade exhibition: companies display products and technologies across indoor and outdoor exhibition areas at the Baku Expo Center. An Events Programme includes panel discussions and presentations. A Startup zone showcases emerging technology ventures. Official delegations from invited countries meet with exhibitors through structured sessions coordinated by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence Industry. A daily newspaper is published during the show. Press accreditation, stand reservation, cargo and delivery services, official hotel partners, and an official tour operator are all coordinated through the organiser portal.
Product and technology categories include: land vehicles and armoured systems; naval systems; aviation and unmanned aerial systems; small arms, ammunition, and infantry equipment; command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I); cybersecurity and electronic warfare; simulation and training; homeland security and border protection; logistics and support systems.
| Exhibiting participants | 270 |
| National groups | 14 |
| Visitors | 9,304 |
| International military delegations | 53 |
| Exhibition area | 20,023 sq.m |
International military delegations are invited directly by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence Industry. This official invitation mechanism is a core feature of ADEX, ensuring that attending companies can engage with senior military procurement officials from over 50 countries, which is notably higher than many regional shows of similar scale.
Yes. ADEX operates a Startup track that has been in place since recent editions. It allows emerging defence technology companies to exhibit and present their innovations to a professional audience. Details of the 2026 Startup programme are managed through the official website.
Yes. Press accreditation applications are managed through the Media Centre section of adex.az. Accredited press receive access to the press centre, press releases, and photo/video galleries.
Baku Expo Center is Azerbaijan's principal trade exhibition venue, located in the Narimanov district of Baku. It provides large indoor exhibition halls suited to heavy military equipment displays, with outdoor areas for larger platform demonstrations. The 2024 edition occupied 20,023 sq.m of exhibition area. The venue is accessible from central Baku by taxi and public transport; Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is approximately 25 km from the city centre, with regular connections to major European, Middle Eastern, and CIS hubs. Visa requirements for Azerbaijan should be checked in advance; the official website maintains a visa regime guidance page.
Caspian Event Organisers LLC (CEO) is an Azerbaijani event management company headquartered at Narimanov District, 61 Zaur Nudiraliyev Street, Baku 1075, Azerbaijan. Tel: +994 12 404 10 00. It organises ADEX on behalf of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence Industry and a portfolio of other sector-specific exhibitions in the Caspian region. The company operates in cooperation with Iteca Caspian for other industry exhibitions. CEO can be contacted at ceo.az.
With 53 military delegations at the last edition and an invitation mechanism directly managed by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence Industry, ADEX delivers a density of senior procurement decision-makers that no commercial defence exhibition in the broader region can match.
Stand reservation is handled via the exhibitor portal on adex.az. Visitor tickets can be obtained through the Get the Ticket section of the official website. Pricing for exhibition space and visitor passes is not disclosed publicly; companies should contact Caspian Event Organisers LLC directly. International delegations wishing to attend in an official capacity should engage with their national defence ministry, which may receive an invitation from the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence Industry. Press accreditation is available through the Media Centre.
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Azerbaijan operates an e-Visa system (ASAN Visa) for many nationalities, allowing online applications in advance. The ADEX website maintains a dedicated visa regime page with guidance. Visitors should allow sufficient time for visa processing before departure.
The official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). English and Russian are widely used in professional settings; the ADEX website and materials are available in Azerbaijani, English, Russian, and Chinese. Major hotels and the venue accept international payment cards.
Yes. Caspian Event Organisers LLC maintains a list of official hotel partners with preferential rates for ADEX participants, accessible via the Services section of adex.az.
| Official website | https://adex.az/ |
| https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/azerbaijan-intl-defence-exhibition-adex/ | |
| X | not disclosed |
| Register / Tickets | https://adex.az/en/get-the-ticket |
| Stand reservation | https://adex.az/en/reservation |
| Programme | https://adex.az/en/events-programme |