Istanbul: Trkiye aims to become one of the world's top 10 defense and aerospace exporters as it expands production capacity, deepens global partnerships, and reduces foreign dependency in critical technologies, senior officials said Tuesday at the opening of SAHA 2026.
According to Anadolu Agency, the SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition opened at the Istanbul Expo Center under the organization of SAHA Istanbul, Trkiye's and Europe's largest defense, aerospace, and space industry cluster. Anadolu serves as the global communication partner of the fair.
The opening ceremony was attended by National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Turkish Defense Industries Secretary Haluk Gorgun, SAHA Istanbul Chairman Haluk Bayraktar, Baykar Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar, and senior representatives from several countries.
Gorgun highlighted that Trkiye exported $10.5 billion worth of defense and aerospace products to 185 countries over the past 12 months. He expressed the aim to soon exceed $11 billion in exports, moving Trkiye into the world's top 10 countries in defense and aerospace exports. He emphasized Trkiye's commitment to using its strength for stability and peace rather than chaos and tension.
Gorgun also stated that Trkiye will eliminate foreign dependency in critical technologies, expand exports sustainably, and strengthen cooperation among the public sector, industry, and academia.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir noted that Trkiye has become a key partner for Europe as the continent seeks to reinforce its defense capacity. He mentioned that Europe, which is heavily dependent on foreign sources for defense products, needs Trkiye as its solution partner. Kacir highlighted Trkiye's high-tech and cost-effective product portfolio, which has proven its role in the field.
Kacir announced that Trkiye has prepared an Industrial Areas Master Plan to guide the next 30 years of Turkish industry. The plan aims to expand planned industrial areas significantly to create new defense industry clusters in Anatolia.
SAHA Istanbul Chairman Haluk Bayraktar described SAHA 2026 as more than a fair, calling it a meeting point for technological innovation. He noted the participation of over 263 leading international companies from more than 120 countries, spanning more than 400,000 square meters.
Bayraktar discussed the challenges posed by trade wars, protectionism, and technological sovereignty struggles, emphasizing the importance of addressing industrial supply chain fragility. He highlighted the increasing role of drones in conventional warfare and the rise in global defense spending.
Bayraktar also shared that Trkiye's localization rate in defense has significantly increased, with a 2026 export target of $13 billion. He mentioned the fair's expectations of hosting over 1,700 companies and more than 150,000 visitors, alongside numerous signing ceremonies and business meetings. The fair will remain open to visitors until May 9.