Burkina Faso is set to host one of the continent’s most prominent defense and security gatherings as the second edition of the Synergy of Safety, Security and Defense (SYSDEF) exhibition takes place in Ouagadougou from May 8 to 10, 2025.
Top-tier defense manufacturers from across the globe, with a notable delegation from Türkiye, will be attending the three-day event. Turkish firms including Raff Military Textile, Aselsan, ASFAT, Baykar, Havelsan, MKE, Nurol, Otokar, Roketsan, and Sarsılmaz are expected to showcase cutting-edge technology and equipment.
First launched in 2023, SYSDEF has rapidly evolved into a strategic platform for the defense and civil protection sectors in West Africa. This year’s edition is expected to deepen ties among members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—whose collective security interests are increasingly aligned amid growing regional threats.
A special AES-focused day will spotlight collaborative responses to rising insecurity, with emphasis on region-specific military needs. The event will also feature technical conferences, tactical demonstrations, a defense-tech hackathon, and a series of B2B engagements.
Raff Military Textile, a key Turkish defense supplier, will use SYSDEF 2025 to expand its regional footprint. The company specializes in mission-adapted tactical wear and protective gear and is actively pursuing new partnerships across West Africa.
“We’re proud to be part of SYSDEF 2025,” said CEO Eray Yükseloğlu. “Our goal is to support African security forces with high-performance gear tailored to their operational realities.”
In a strategic development, Raff Military Textile will also unveil its new partnership with Repkon, a Turkish firm known for advanced weapons systems and ammunition engineering. Together, the companies aim to supply next-generation firearm solutions to African markets, combining Raff’s field-tested experience with Repkon’s manufacturing capabilities.
Türkiye’s growing role in Africa’s defense landscape reflects its broader ambition to influence the global arms sector. Turkish companies are increasingly turning toward artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and hypersonic weaponry, pushing for technological self-reliance and expanded exports.
As SYSDEF 2025 approaches, Burkina Faso positions itself not only as a host of innovation but as a key stakeholder in reshaping the continent’s defense partnerships and security cooperation.