Turkiye to host global defense, aviation, and space fair
SAHA 2026 brings the global defense and aviation ecosystem together in Istanbul with record scale and game-changing technologies
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MVTV) — The SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Fair, which showcases Türkiye’s production capacity and technological vision in defense, aviation, and space industries on a global scale, is preparing to open its doors in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul from May 5 to 9.
Organized across a total area of 400,000 square meters, including 20,000 square meters of open exhibition space, SAHA 2026 will be one of the largest events of its kind to date.
The fair is expected to host participants from more than 120 countries, over 1,700 companies — including 263 international firms — more than 200,000 visitors, and over 30,000 industry professionals.
According to organizers, with more than 30,000 planned business meetings, the event goes beyond being a showcase platform and becomes a hub for direct business development, supply chain matchmaking, and strategic partnerships.
The fair will also feature 203 new product launches and 164 signing ceremonies worth a total of $4 billion, largely export-oriented. This represents nearly three times the agreements achieved at the previous event, highlighting its growing economic impact.
This year, the fair stands out for strong participation from major global players, especially from Europe, the United States, and Canada, alongside companies and delegations from four continents. More than 700 local and international media representatives are expected to cover the event, significantly increasing its global visibility.
Game-changing technologies
SAHA 2026 will host next-generation, game-changing technologies beyond conventional systems. Autonomous systems, artificial intelligence-driven solutions, advanced defense platforms, and dual-use technologies will be showcased in a broad spectrum. Many high-tech products will be introduced to the global ecosystem for the first time at the event.
Autonomous land vehicles and rover technologies developed in Türkiye will demonstrate their capabilities on specially designed tracks, offering visitors the chance to observe real-world operational performance.
Naval platforms will also be open to visitors. The Turkish Navy’s vessels, including the world’s first drone carrier TCG Anadolu, will be stationed at Ataköy Marina and Sarayburnu Port. These ships will be open to official delegations and to the public on May 8–9.
Unmanned surface vehicles will also be exhibited, showcasing Türkiye’s capabilities in autonomous and intelligent maritime systems and offering insight into next-generation naval operations.
SAHA 2026 will feature strong diplomatic and institutional participation, with more than 140 official delegations, over 800 delegation members, and more than 200 commercial procurement representatives.
Participation from over 25 foreign ministers and numerous high-ranking military officials will further enhance the event’s global impact.
The program includes 17 international panels, four Space Talks sessions, and keynote speeches addressing the future of defense technologies, security architecture, industrial transformation, and new cooperation models.
High-level visits by heads of state, ministers, and military leaders are expected, alongside direct meetings with participating companies to foster international collaboration.
Strengthening space ecosystem
Another major focus is the space ecosystem. A dedicated Space Pavilion and Space Dome will increase the visibility of space technologies. Through Space Talks sessions, the future of the sector, collaboration opportunities, and Türkiye’s space vision will be discussed in detail.
The fair will also promote the 77th International Astronautical Congress, scheduled for October 5–9, in Antalya, hosted by the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul, with panels and presentations aimed at boosting international awareness and cooperation.
Covering a wide range from conventional defense systems to autonomous platforms, and from land and naval systems to space technologies, SAHA 2026 positions itself not only as an exhibition but as a global meeting point and strategic platform for new partnerships in the defense and aerospace industry.
With its scale, international reach, and multi-layered structure, the event is expected to generate billions of dollars in economic output, integrate companies into global markets, and serve as a strategic driver for Türkiye’s defense and aerospace ecosystem.
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