SAHA EXPO

SAHA EXPO is an international trade fair that brings together domestic and foreign companies active in the defense, aerospace, maritime, and space industries. Organized by SAHA Istanbul, the largest industrial cluster in Türkiye and Europe, the fair is conducted under the patronage of the Presidency and with the support of relevant ministries and public institutions, aiming to unite industry, academia, and the public sector on a single platform. During SAHA EXPO, the entire defense industry ecosystem participates. The event was first held in 2018 and its fifth edition is scheduled for 5–9 May 2026.

Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair (SAHA EXPO)

Represented Sectors and Product Groups

The fair features military electronic systems, software and automation solutions, simulation technologies, avionics subsystems, security applications, and advanced materials technologies, with primary emphasis on land, sea, air, and space systems. Product and service categories include platform systems, command and control infrastructures, sensor and communication systems, energy solutions, munitions, and production equipment. Additionally, information technologies, artificial intelligence applications, cybersecurity solutions, and industry-focused transformation technologies are included within the scope of the fair. In this regard, SAHA EXPO brings together manufacturers of main defense systems and their component suppliers under one roof.

Events and Participant Profile

A range of activities are organized within the framework of the fair, including product launches, signing ceremonies, business-to-business and business-to-government meetings (B2B/B2G), panel discussions, and speaker sessions. Technical infrastructure is provided in exhibition halls to enable participating companies to showcase their products, while public signing ceremonies enhance media and public visibility. Additionally, the “SAHA MATCH” application used during the fair allows companies to plan targeted business meetings. The participant base consists of representatives from public institutions, defense procurement committees, university research centers, entrepreneurs, and international purchasing delegations. The SAHA Startup Program is also implemented to support startup firms. International purchasing delegations and sector representatives from various countries also participate in the fair. The event program includes practical activities such as application areas for unmanned systems, technology competitions, and live demonstrations.

International Dimension and Technology Agenda

SAHA EXPO serves as a strategic international meeting point, welcoming over 100 professional visitors from more than 100 countries. The event also facilitates contact with representatives from NATO, defense procurement agencies, and other multilateral security structures. Within the fair’s framework, key themes include digital technologies, unmanned vehicle systems, artificial intelligence-based solutions, and cybersecurity. International panels and sessions held during the event provide a platform for discussing current technological trends and security issues. Topics such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and space technologies are among the fair’s prominent themes. SAHA EXPO is not merely a venue for showcasing existing technologies but also functions as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration development, and technology-driven interaction.

Innovations Highlighted at the 2026 Event

For SAHA EXPO 2026, various innovations are planned in both the structure and content presentation of the fair. In this context, practical competition and demonstration areas will be established for FPV drones, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and rover systems to enable observation of technologies under field-like conditions. Additionally, an expanded launch program is planned for SAHA EXPO 2026, featuring the first-time unveiling of numerous new products related to land, sea, air, and space systems. The scope of international panels and sessions will be broadened to highlight topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and next-generation defense technologies. Furthermore, digital support for B2B and B2G meeting processes and the expansion of thematic exhibition zones are among the measures designed to enhance interaction and collaboration among participants.