Inside SAHA 2026: Walk through future of war in Istanbul

By Iftikhar Gilani

ISTANBUL, Turkiye (MNTV) — The first thing that strikes you as you step into the Istanbul Expo Centre is not the size, though it is vast, nor the noise, though it hums with thousands of conversations in dozens of languages. It is the sense that you are walking into a world that is already preparing for the next war.

Screens flash images of drones diving onto targets. Engineers stand beside sleek machines that look more like science fiction than weapons.

Delegations move briskly, stopping only to inspect a system, exchange a card, or whisper over a capability that could shift the balance somewhere far away. On the first day of SAHA 2026, the mood is not just about the exhibition. It is anticipation.

The fair, which opened on Tuesday and will run until Saturday, is one of the world’s largest defence and aerospace exhibitions.

Over five days, it will bring together more than 1,700 companies, including 263 international firms, and over 30,000 industry professionals from more than 120 countries. The scale is immense, spread across nearly 400,000 square metres, with both indoor halls and outdoor demonstration zones.

More than 140 official delegations and hundreds of procurement officials are attending, making it not just a showcase but a marketplace of global security.

But numbers alone cannot capture the significance of what is unfolding here. SAHA 2026 arrives at a moment when conflict is no longer distant or theoretical.

The ongoing U.S.-Iran war, the 2025 India-Pakistan skirmishes, and the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war have all pushed defence research and production back into sharp focus.

Every system on display seems to answer a question raised on these battlefields.

Fair shaped by war

Walking through the halls, the influence of current conflicts is unmistakable. Conversations are filled with references to electronic warfare, drone swarms, maritime chokepoints, and deep-strike operations. The Strait of Hormuz is mentioned as often as Ukraine’s front lines. Military officials and engineers speak the same language now, one shaped by urgency.

This is not a static exhibition of hardware. It is a living response to a rapidly changing security environment. Countries are no longer waiting for threats to emerge. They are actively building capabilities and counter-capabilities, creating a cycle of innovation driven by competition and necessity.

Türkiye’s strategic showcase

As host, Türkiye has turned SAHA 2026 into a platform to demonstrate how far its defence industry has come. The country’s major firms — Baykar, Aselsan, Roketsan, STM, and Havelsan — dominate the exhibition, not just in size but in ambition.

There is a consistent message across these companies: technological independence, export strength, and innovation rooted in real battlefield needs. The emphasis on “national” and “indigenous” systems is repeated across stands, reflecting a strategic push to reduce reliance on external suppliers.

At the same time, the global nature of the exhibition is evident. Delegations from Europe, the United States, Canada, and Asia are actively engaging, exploring partnerships and procurement opportunities. The goal this year is to push defence export contracts beyond $8 billion, up from $6.2 billion in the previous edition.

At the launch event, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, said Turkiye is currently building 41 military ships simultaneously and has reached an advanced position in unmanned naval systems.

“Türkiye’s geography, surrounded by seas on three sides, requires us to maintain a very strong navy. These new autonomous systems will further strengthen our naval forces,” he said.

Dominance of unmanned systems

If there is one theme that defines SAHA 2026, it is the dominance of unmanned systems.

Air, land, and sea platforms are increasingly designed to operate without direct human control. These systems are not just remotely operated. They are autonomous, intelligent, and capable of working together.

Baykar’s display captures this shift clearly.

The company has unveiled new systems, including the K2 kamikaze UAV and advanced loitering munitions such as MIZRAK and Sivrisinek. These platforms combine long-range strike capabilities with artificial intelligence-supported autonomy.

MIZRAK, with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometres, is designed for deep operations, capable of identifying and engaging targets with minimal human input. Sivrisinek, on the other hand, offers flexibility at the tactical level, combining reconnaissance and strike capabilities in a single platform.

The logic behind these systems is simple but powerful. In modern warfare, speed and precision matter as much as firepower. Autonomous drones can react faster than human operators, adapt to changing conditions, and operate in environments where communication is disrupted.

Deep-strike capability takes center stage

Another major focus at SAHA 2026 is long-range strike capability.

STM’s KUZGUN system is a striking example. This fixed-wing loitering munition has a range of over 1,000 kilometres and can remain airborne for more than six hours. It does not require a runway, as it can be launched from mobile platforms using rocket-assisted takeoff.

Designed for deep operational theatres, KUZGUN can target critical infrastructure such as command centers, radar installations, and air defense systems. Its low radar signature and electronic warfare-resistant navigation system make it difficult to detect and intercept.

The system reflects a broader shift in military thinking. Instead of relying solely on large, expensive platforms, countries are investing in smaller, more flexible systems that can deliver strategic effects at lower cost.

Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, said global and regional crises have once again demonstrated the decisive role of long-range, cost-effective strike capabilities on the battlefield.

“With our KUZGUN system, we aim to elevate our nation’s strategic deterrence to the next level. The system will be capable of autonomously neutralizing critical targets, including command centers, radar, and air defence systems.”

He said it is designed to operate with precision even in the most challenging geographies.

Roketsan’s push for precision and affordability

Roketsan’s presence at SAHA 2026 reinforces another key trend: the need for cost-effective precision.

The company has unveiled several new systems, including NEŞTER, CİDA, a Mini Cruise Missile, and the CİRİT Anti-UAV system. Each of these is designed to address specific battlefield challenges.

The CİRİT Anti-UAV system, for instance, offers a more affordable way to counter drones, which have become a major threat in modern conflicts. Instead of using expensive air defense missiles, this system provides a targeted and cost-efficient alternative.

The Mini Cruise Missile combines long range with a relatively low cost, making it suitable for widespread deployment. NEŞTER, with its focus on minimizing collateral damage, reflects a growing emphasis on precision strikes.

These systems highlight a crucial lesson from recent wars: effectiveness is not just about power. It is about achieving the desired outcome with minimal cost and maximum efficiency.

Murat İkinci, General Manager of ROKETSAN, said SAHA 2026 is a strategic showcase providing a key opportunity to launch new systems developed entirely with national capabilities.

Naval battlefield evolves

While aerial systems dominate attention, the developments in naval technology are equally significant.

Aselsan has introduced a new generation of unmanned naval systems, including the KILIÇ autonomous underwater strike systems and the TUFAN unmanned surface vehicle.

KILIÇ represents Türkiye’s first kamikaze autonomous underwater vehicle. Designed for covert operations, it combines low detectability with high precision. It can operate independently or as part of a swarm, making it a versatile tool for asymmetric warfare.

TUFAN, on the other hand, is a high-speed unmanned surface vehicle capable of carrying a heavy warhead. It can be used for both offensive operations and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

These systems reflect a shift in naval warfare. Instead of relying solely on large warships, navies are increasingly deploying smaller, autonomous platforms that can operate in coordination.

In strategic regions like the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime security is critical, such technologies could have a significant impact.

Ahmet Akyol, President and CEO of ASELSAN, said securing beyond the boundaries of the naval domain requires a new level of autonomy, integration, and operational flexibility.

“As maritime security gains increasing importance, we are introducing new-generation unmanned naval systems designed to meet evolving operational requirements. These solutions reflect ASELSAN’s commitment to delivering integrated and future-ready technologies,” he said.

Artificial intelligence reshapes command

Artificial intelligence is another central theme at SAHA 2026.

Havelsan’s ADVENT-AI system demonstrates how AI is being integrated into command and control processes. The system analyzes large volumes of data in real time, helping operators detect patterns, identify threats, and make faster decisions.

Rather than replacing human operators, ADVENT-AI is designed to support them. It reduces cognitive workload and provides a clearer operational picture.

In modern warfare, where information flows are overwhelming, such systems are becoming essential. They allow commanders to focus on critical decisions rather than data processing.

HAVELSAN said in its official press release that artificial intelligence does not replace the operator; it supports the operator. “ADVENT-AI analyzes large volumes of operational data in real time, enabling faster and more reliable decision-making.”

Ground systems and the “digital troop” concept

Havelsan has also introduced BARKAN 3, a next-generation unmanned ground platform.

Designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and high-risk missions, BARKAN 3 operates ahead of human personnel, collecting data and assessing threats. It can be adapted for different missions through its modular design.

This platform is part of a broader concept described as the “digital troop,” where unmanned systems across land, sea, and air are connected and operate together. These systems share data, support each other, and contribute to a unified operational picture.

The idea is to create a networked battlefield where information flows seamlessly, and decisions are made quickly.

Swarm warfare and networked operations

One of the most transformative concepts on display at SAHA 2026 is swarm warfare.

Many of the systems unveiled are designed to operate in groups, coordinating their actions and sharing data. This approach allows for greater flexibility and resilience.

If one unit is lost, others can continue the mission. Swarms can overwhelm defenses, adapt to changing conditions, and operate in complex environments.

This concept is being applied across domains. Aerial drones, naval vehicles, and ground systems are all being designed to function as part of larger networks.

The result is a shift from platform-centric warfare to network-centric warfare.

Beyond the technology, SAHA 2026 is also a hub for deals and diplomacy.

More than 160 signing ceremonies are expected during the exhibition. Companies are negotiating contracts, forming partnerships, and exploring joint development opportunities.

For many countries, this is an opportunity to diversify their defence partnerships and reduce dependence on traditional suppliers.

For Türkiye, it is a chance to expand its role as a global defence exporter and technology provider.

Throughout the exhibition, there is a sense of urgency.

Engineers speak of rapid development cycles. Military officials discuss evolving threats. Company representatives emphasize adaptability and innovation.

This urgency is driven by the reality of ongoing conflicts. The technologies on display are not theoretical. They are being tested, refined, and deployed in real-world conditions.

Glimpse into future

As the first day of SAHA 2026 comes to a close, one thing is clear: the nature of warfare is changing.

Autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and networked operations are redefining how conflicts are fought. Precision and cost efficiency are becoming as important as raw power.

The exhibition will continue through Saturday, with more technologies set to be unveiled and demonstrated in the coming days. Each day is expected to bring new announcements, new partnerships, and new insights into the future of defence.

For those walking through its halls, SAHA 2026 offers more than a display of machines. It offers a glimpse into a world where technology and conflict are increasingly intertwined.

And as visitors leave the exhibition for the day, one thought lingers: the future of war is not being imagined here. It is being built.