Bosnia and Herzegovina's Defense Minister, Zukan Helez, is currently in the United Arab Emirates, where he attended the opening of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, one of the world’s most significant military equipment and arms fairs.

“IDEX 2025 provides government institutions, national armed forces, defence industry manufacturers, global research institutions, and companies a platform to establish business connections, exchange knowledge, and enhance their operations. In these turbulent and unpredictable times, such fairs allow us to stay in step with global trends in military technology,” Helez stated.

He emphasized his goal of strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure they are better prepared to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Our military must serve as a deterrent against any attempts to undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity. IDEX has also been an opportunity to engage in discussions with defence ministers and government officials from other countries to negotiate cooperation and advocate for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s interests,” he added.

During the event, Helez held meetings with Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr, Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, the Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Hulusi Akar, Pakistan's Secretary for Defense Industry, Lieutenant General Muhammad Chiragh Haider, and several other political and military officials.

A key development from the fair was the announcement of an expedited delivery of KIRPI II armoured vehicles for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Representatives of Turkey’s BMC company informed me that the first KIRPI II armoured vehicle will be delivered in early March, with four more arriving by the end of the month. The original delivery deadline was set for July, and I am pleased that my efforts have helped accelerate the process,” Helez confirmed.

He also expressed satisfaction that several companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina's defense industry were exhibiting at IDEX 2025, including Pretis d.d. Vogosca, Binas d.d. Bugojno, BNT-Tvornica masina i hidraulike Novi Travnik, Unis Ginex d.d. Gorazde, Zrak d.d. Sarajevo, and Igman d.d. Konjic.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defence industry is competitive on the global stage, and I am confident that our companies have established new business connections and secured new contracts at this fair,” Helez concluded.