SAHA 2026 Istanbul expo showcases indigenous defense technologies
16:13, 23/04/2026, ThursdayU: Update: 20:15, 23/04/2026, Thursday
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Istanbul is set to host the SAHA 2026 defense and aerospace exhibition from May 5-9, bringing together over 1,700 firms from 140 nations. The event will highlight Türkiye's technological sovereignty through indigenous military innovations, featuring advanced combat demonstrations and high-level business meetings under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency.
The SAHA 2026 defense and aerospace exhibition will convene in Istanbul from May 5-9, offering worldwide exposure for domestically-developed military technologies. Haluk Görgün, who leads the Turkish Defense Industries Secretariat, emphasized that the SAHA Istanbul cluster has injected significant momentum into the national security sector while creating new avenues for international recognition. With direct Presidential patronage, the gathering aligns with the
Century of Türkiye
vision articulated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reinforcing Ankara’s commitment to technological self-sufficiency across aviation, space, and security domains.Next-Generation combat demonstrations
Operating under the theme
"Master Technology, Shape the Future,"
the exposition will feature immersive experience zones designed to simulate contemporary battlefield conditions. Visitors will witness live demonstrations involving first-person-view unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicle combat arenas, and the specialized "World Drone War" competition. These interactive displays will allow defense officials and procurement teams to evaluate emerging tactical requirements while observing the practical applications of autonomous systems in modern warfare scenarios.Multi-Domain exhibition infrastructure
The event’s expansive footprint extends across more than 100,000 square meters, incorporating multiple specialized venues throughout the metropolis. While the primary exhibition grounds host land and aerospace platforms, maritime demonstrations will unfold at Atakoy Marina and Sarayburnu, creating a comprehensive four-domain presentation encompassing terrestrial, aerial, naval, and orbital capabilities. This distributed model transforms Istanbul into an integrated showcase for Türkiye’s complete defense ecosystem.
Global business and diplomatic hub
Beyond technology displays, SAHA 2026 will function as a critical nexus for international commerce and state-level cooperation. The program includes extensive business-to-business, government-to-business, and inter-governmental negotiations anticipated to produce over 150 formal signing ceremonies. These agreements are expected to span joint development initiatives, supply chain integration projects, and export-oriented partnerships extending from European and Gulf markets to Asia-Pacific and North American territories. Officials anticipate that these collaborations will substantially advance Türkiye’s integration into global defense manufacturing networks.
Innovation forums and public engagement
Complementing the defense industry focus, the
SAHA Talks
series will address strategic topics including artificial intelligence applications, cybersecurity frameworks, digital transformation, and dual-use technologies bridging civilian and military sectors. Additionally, the exhibition will observe a dedicated Public Day, inviting youth, families, and technology enthusiasts to engage directly with advanced systems. This educational component aims to cultivate domestic expertise and inspire the next generation of Turkish engineers and defense professionals.