Shadrack Nyakoe
The spotlight will shine on West Africa’s defense and security sector this May, as Ouagadougou hosts the much-anticipated Salon International de la Défense et de la Sécurité (SYSDEF 2025). From May 8 to 10, industry leaders, government delegations, and security experts will convene in Burkina Faso’s capital, with one name in particular drawing attention: Raff Military Textile.
A cornerstone of Turkey’s defense manufacturing industry, Raff Military Textile brings over eight decades of expertise to the international stage. Since its founding in the 1940s, the company has specialized in military uniforms, protective gear, tactical equipment, and mission-specific apparel designed to meet the demands of modern armed forces. For Africa, where operational environments vary greatly, Raff’s adaptable and climate-conscious solutions have made it a trusted partner.
This year, Raff’s participation in SYSDEF underscores its long-term vision for Africa. More than a supplier, the company has built its reputation through enduring partnerships rooted in mutual respect, sustainability, and knowledge sharing. “We are proud to participate in SYSDEF 2025,” said Eray Yükseloğlu, CEO of Raff Military Textile. “Our aim is to further deepen our strong ties with Africa by offering robust and tailored solutions for local forces.”
The Turkish national pavilion at SYSDEF 2025 will feature some of the country’s most prominent defense giants, including Aselsan, ASFAT, Baykar, Havelsan, MKE, Nurol, Otokar, Roketsan, and Sarsılmaz. Within this high-powered ecosystem, Raff plays a vital role, supplying mission-ready uniforms and tactical gear that form the backbone of operational readiness.
For Raff, SYSDEF 2025 is more than an exhibition—it is a platform to expand its presence in Burkina Faso and neighboring regions. The company is actively pursuing new partnerships aimed at strengthening local defense capabilities. Initiatives include joint projects, technical training, and the transfer of expertise—efforts designed to foster local resilience and autonomy.
One of the major announcements tied to this year’s event is the strategic partnership between Raff Military Textile and Repkon, a leading Turkish defense engineering firm. Together, they are launching a new initiative to export firearms and ammunition systems across Africa. This collaboration merges Repkon’s advanced manufacturing technology with Raff’s operational insight, delivering cutting-edge, field-ready solutions tailored to Africa’s evolving security landscape.
This move signals a bold step forward for Turkey’s growing defense footprint in Africa—beyond textiles and gear, into integrated, next-generation defense technologies. For host nations, it opens the door to reliable, innovative, and strategically aligned partnerships.
As the curtains rise on SYSDEF 2025, Raff Military Textile arrives not just as an exhibitor, but as a committed partner in Africa’s path toward enhanced security, stability, and self-reliance. With a legacy of excellence and a forward-looking strategy, the company is set to reinforce its role as a key player in the continent’s defense future.
Patmoz
