Istanbul: The SAHA 2026 International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair, organized by SAHA Istanbul, will open its doors Tuesday at the Istanbul Expo Center, marking a significant event for Trkiye and Europe's defense, aviation, and space industry cluster.
According to Anadolu Agency, SAHA 2026, with Anadolu as its global communications partner, will run from Tuesday through Saturday at the Istanbul Expo Center. Covering a substantial indoor and outdoor area of 400,000 square meters, the event allocates 20,000 square meters to outdoor exhibitions, establishing it as one of the largest events of its kind. The fair is set to attract more than 1,700 companies, including 263 international firms, over 200,000 public visitors, and more than 30,000 industry professionals from over 120 countries.
The event is poised to facilitate over 30,000 business-to-business (B2B) meetings, transforming it into a platform for business development, supply chain matching, and strategic partnerships. SAHA 2026 will also witness the launch of 203 new products and 164 signing ceremonies, aiming to boost export contracts to at least $8 billion, up from $6.2 billion at the previous fair in 2024.
SAHA 2026 will see participation from Europe, the US, and Canada, alongside representatives from four continents. The event will showcase high-tech products and innovations, including Trkiye's latest autonomous vehicles and naval platforms. Visitors will have access to Turkish Naval Forces vessels, such as the TCG Anadolu, the world's first military drone carrier, stationed at Atakoy Marina and Sarayburnu Port. May 9 is designated as the public day at SAHA 2026.
Several technologies will debut at SAHA 2026, including Baykar's MIZRAK smart loitering munition and ASELSAN's new defense technologies. Other highlights include the ALKA-KAPLAN HYBRID Directed Energy Weapon System and STM's advanced UAV systems.
More than 140 official delegations and over 800 members will attend the fair. The event will feature 17 international panels, 'Space Talks' sessions, and keynote speeches discussing defense technologies, security architecture, and industrial transformation. High-level visits from heads of state, government ministers, and military officials will aim to foster international collaboration.
SAHA 2026 will focus on the investment ecosystem, supporting SMEs in accessing global markets, securing financing, and integrating into international cooperation networks. The space ecosystem will also be emphasized through the Space Pavilion and Space Dome, highlighting space technologies at the fair.