Türkiye hosts defence fair with 120 countries attending

SAHA 2026 set to draw 120 countries, thousands of firms and billions in deals as Türkiye showcases next-generation technologies

By Abdullahi Yusuf

One of the world’s largest defence and aerospace exhibitions is set to open in Istanbul, as Türkiye positions itself at the centre of a rapidly evolving global security and technology landscape.

The SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Fair will run from 5 to 9 May, bringing together governments, military officials and industry leaders from more than 120 countries.

Organisers say the event will span 400,000 square metres, making it one of the largest exhibitions of its kind, with over 1,700 companies expected to take part, including hundreds of international firms, alongside more than 200,000 visitors and tens of thousands of industry professionals.

Beyond its scale, SAHA 2026 is being framed as a platform for deal-making and strategic partnerships. More than 30,000 business meetings are planned, with organisers expecting agreements worth around $4bn to be signed, a significant increase on previous editions.

The exhibition will also serve as a stage for over 200 product launches, many of them involving emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and dual-use platforms.

Among the centrepieces of the event are demonstrations of unmanned and autonomous vehicles, including land systems designed to operate in complex environments, as well as maritime technologies showcasing advances in naval operations.

Visitors will also be able to access Turkish naval platforms, including the TCG Anadolu described as the world’s first drone carrier, which will be open to both official delegations and the public during part of the exhibition.

There is also a significant diplomatic dimension. More than 140 official delegations and hundreds of procurement representatives are expected, alongside senior political and military figures, including foreign ministers and defence officials.

A programme of international panels and keynote sessions will run alongside the exhibition, focusing on issues ranging from future warfare technologies to global security architecture and industrial transformation.

This year’s event places particular emphasis on space technologies. Dedicated exhibition zones including a Space Pavilion, will host discussions on satellite systems, exploration, and international cooperation, as Türkiye seeks to strengthen its presence in the space sector.

The fair will also promote the upcoming International Astronautical Congress, scheduled to take place in Antalya later in the year, further underlining the country’s ambitions in advanced technology and research.

As global defence spending rises and geopolitical tensions persist, events such as SAHA 2026 are increasingly seen not only as trade exhibitions, but as strategic forums shaping the direction of international security cooperation.

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