The SAHA 2026 International Exhibition for Defence, Aviation and Space opened Tuesday at the Istanbul Expo Center in Turkey [1].
The event serves as a critical hub for global security procurement and technological exchange, positioning Turkey as a primary exporter of military hardware. By gathering international delegations, the exhibition aims to solidify strategic partnerships and drive significant economic growth through high-value defense contracts.
Representatives from approximately 120 countries are attending the event [2]. The exhibition features roughly 1,700 companies showcasing the latest advancements in aviation, space, and defense technologies [2]. Among the high-level attendees is the Turkish Defence Minister, who joined official and commercial delegations to review the displays [1].
Organizers have set a financial goal for the summit. The exhibition targets export deals estimated at US$8 billion [3]. These goals reflect the growing scale of the Turkish defense industry and its ambition to penetrate new international markets through the showcase of domestic innovation.
The event began on May 5, 2026 [4]. It will run through May 9, 2026 [1], providing five days for representatives to negotiate contracts and explore new aerospace and defense capabilities. The Istanbul Expo Center serves as the primary venue for these multilateral discussions, a location chosen to accommodate the massive scale of the participating corporate delegations.
Throughout the week, the focus remains on fostering international cooperation. The diverse range of participants suggests a broad interest in the intersection of space technology and national security, as companies compete to secure the multibillion-dollar contracts targeted by the event's organizers [3].
“The exhibition targets export deals estimated at US$8 billion.”
The scale of SAHA 2026 indicates Turkey's strategic pivot toward becoming a global powerhouse in defense exports. By targeting US$8 billion in deals and attracting 120 countries, Turkey is not only seeking economic gain but is also leveraging defense diplomacy to increase its geopolitical influence in the aviation and space sectors.
