On October 1, a panel session titled "Modern Defense Industry: Innovative Technologies and Development Prospects" was held at the Baku Expo Center as part of the 6th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2026); the event was hosted by the Ministry of Defense Industry (MDI) and organized by Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU).

Moderated by AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev, the session was attended by Halid Bulut, Deputy General Manager for Supply Chain and Logistics at Roketsan; Hasan Adil Oner, Head of Business Development at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSASH); Orkhan Yusibov, Director of the Defense Industry Research and Innovation Center; Farahim Huseynzade, Advisor to the General Director of "Azersilah" Defense Industry Holding; Metin Salamcı, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Gazi University; and Mustafa Guden, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Izmir Institute of Technology. During the panel session, views were exchanged on the role of innovative technologies in the development of the modern defense industry, the integration of scientific research with industry, the application of new technologies, and the training of highly qualified engineering personnel.

It was noted that technological progress in the defense industry is not limited to scientific research conducted in laboratories. The synergy between academic knowledge and industrial experience, as well as sustained cooperation between universities and companies, is crucial for transforming new technologies into tangible products and solutions.

The discussions highlighted the opportunities created within the defense industry by fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned systems, advanced materials, aerospace technologies, and digital manufacturing. Emphasis was placed on the importance of combining scientific and industrial capabilities—not only to develop these technologies but also to transition them from the prototype stage to industrial products, integrate them into manufacturing processes, and ensure their continuous improvement.

Special attention was also paid to the role of universities in the technological advancement of the defense industry. It was noted that modern engineering education should not be limited to imparting theoretical knowledge but should also facilitate the involvement of students and researchers in real-world industrial projects, the development of innovative solutions, and the practical application of scientific findings.

In this regard, AzTU’s integration of engineering education, research activities, and industry collaboration can contribute to training a new generation of specialists for the defense industry and fostering the development of innovative projects.

The panel session continued with an exchange of views and a discussion on future collaboration opportunities among the participants.