Ankara: Five Turkish defense giants have secured spots on Defense News' Top 100 list this year, showcasing the industry's growing global presence and increasing export revenues. Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Arca Defense, Roketsan, and MKE have all made the list, with executives from these companies also serving on the board of SAHA Istanbul, Europe's largest industrial cluster. According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish defense companies have been ascending global rankings in recent years, bolstered by a surge in exports. The five companies collectively generated $14.9 billion in defense revenue, with a significant portion coming from exports. Aselsan was ranked 40th on this year's list, followed by TAI at 48th, Arca Defense at 53rd, Roketsan at 64th, and MKE at 81st. The SAHA Expo has emerged as a vital platform for showcasing Trkiye's defense industry on the global stage, contributing to the sector's export-driven growth. The expo facilitated export contracts worth approximately $4.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $8 billion in 2026, supporting the international expansion of Trkiye's major defense companies. The involvement of these large defense contractors in SAHA Istanbul's management and committees enables closer integration with over 1,300 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the cluster. The production capacity of these SMEs provides larger defense companies with more flexible supply chains, shortens delivery times, and strengthens the global competitiveness of Trkiye's defense industry.