AKSUM Group, founded by Uzbek businessman Ulugbekhon Maksumov, participated in the IDEX-2025 international defense exhibition, showcasing its armored vehicles. The company presented the Aksum Max-V armored vehicles and Mercedes AMG G63 armored cars, highlighting its advancements in security and defense technology.
IDEX 2025, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), is one of the world’s premier defense exhibitions, bringing together global defense leaders, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic collaborations.
Among the notable exhibitors, Turkey presented its Çakır and Stand-Off Missile (SOM) cruise missiles. Designed for deployment from aircraft and drones, these missiles offer precision strikes on ground targets at ranges of 150 to 250 kilometers, enhancing the country's long-range strike capabilities.
On the other hand, the Swiss company Oerlikon, with over a century of defense expertise, showcased its Revolver Gun M3 at IDEX 2025. This 35mm caliber anti-aircraft artillery system can fire over a thousand rounds per minute, proving effective against low-flying targets such as helicopters, aircraft, and drones.
Additionally, Daryo correspondent was granted exclusive rights to film the Mil Mi-38 helicopter, developed by Kazan Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. The Mil Mi-38, designed for VIP clients, can be converted into an official state aircraft, including serving as transport for the Russian president.
Daryo correspondent received exclusive access to film the Mil Mi-38 helicopter, a VIP-class aircraft developed by Kazan Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters.
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) February 24, 2025
The Mi-38 helicopter can be converted into an official state aircraft, including for transporting the… pic.twitter.com/5dcG2NlIks
Uzbekistan’s NATO-standard military vehicles
Earlier Uzbekistan showcased three NATO-standard military vehicles at IDEX 2025:
- Arslon 8x8 armored personnel carrier
- Arslon 6x6 armored personnel carrier
- To‘fon (Thunder) self-propelled howitzer
The Arslon 8x8, an advanced armored personnel carrier (APC), improves upon Soviet-era designs by incorporating NATO STANAG VI composite armor for enhanced protection against explosives and small arms fire. Operated by a three-person crew, it can transport up to eight soldiers and is equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon and 12.7mm machine gun. Its Remote Weapon Station (RWS) allows for automated enemy tracking and 360° situational awareness. Weighing 32 tons, the vehicle is significantly heavier than Russia’s BTR-82 (15.4 tons) and the Soviet BMP-2 (14.3 tons), reflecting its reinforced protection.
The Arslon 6x6, a more compact variant, retains similar firepower but is designed for greater maneuverability, particularly in urban combat. Powered by a 450-horsepower engine, it has a top speed of 110 km/h and weighs 22 tons, making it more agile while maintaining strong defensive capabilities.
The To‘fon (Thunder) marks a significant leap in Uzbekistan’s artillery capabilities. This 155mm self-propelled howitzer, mounted on a truck chassis, offers superior logistical flexibility compared to traditional towed artillery. Capable of firing rocket-assisted shells up to 50 km, it outperforms the Russian Malva system (29 km). With a fire rate of seven rounds per minute, the To‘fon is guided by GPS and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) for precision targeting.
IDEX serves as a vital platform for global defense entities, fostering international partnerships and cutting-edge technological showcases. The 2025 edition was the largest in history, attracting key decision-makers, policymakers, and defense contractors from around the world.
The next edition, IDEX 2027, will take place from February 25-29, 2027, at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, continuing its role as a leading event in the global defense sector.
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