Türkiye to Host Global Defense and Aerospace Expo SAHA 2026 in Istanbul
Türkiye is set to host the next edition of SAHA Expo, one of the world’s leading defense and aerospace exhibitions, in Istanbul in May 2026. The event aims to further expand the country’s international defense partnerships while offering a major global platform for collaboration between Turkish and foreign companies — including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Organized by SAHA Istanbul, the largest industrial cluster in Türkiye and Europe, the biennial expo has been a key meeting point for the defense, aviation, maritime, space, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors since its launch in 2018.
Originally created to showcase Türkiye’s national defense capabilities, SAHA Expo has evolved into a major global hub for cooperation and technology exchange.
Growth of SAHA Expo Over the Years
| Year | Companies | Participating Countries | Visitors | Agreements Signed | Deal Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 183 | 12 | 13,000 | ~600 B2B meetings | — |
| 2021 | 600+ | 30 | 25,000 | — | — |
| 2022 | 957 | 109 | 80,000 | 114 | $1 billion+ |
| 2024 | 1,478 | 121 | 101,337 | 133 | $6.2 billion |
The 2024 edition marked a record-breaking milestone, bringing together nearly 1,500 companies across a 90,000-square-meter venue. A total of 208 new products were showcased and 133 agreements worth $6.2 billion were signed.
Focus on Next-Generation Technologies
SAHA Expo highlights Türkiye’s expanding capabilities in:
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AI-driven defense systems
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Unmanned land, air, and naval platforms
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Autonomous technologies
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Electronic warfare solutions
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Advanced ammunition and digitalization products
The event has become a strategic platform for integrating Turkish defense manufacturers into global supply chains, enabling foreign delegations to explore joint ventures and partnerships.
SAHA 2026: Set to Break New Records
The upcoming SAHA 2026 edition is expected to be the largest yet, targeting:
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1,500 companies
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Participants from more than 120 countries
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Over 25,000 B2B meetings
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More than 200,000 visitors
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100,000 square meters of exhibition space
Alongside product showcases, the expo will host international panels, expert discussions, and interactive demonstrations featuring the latest developments in space technologies, unmanned systems, and AI-powered platforms.
