SAHA 2026, the International Defense, Aerospace, and Space Industry Fair, is poised to transform Istanbul into the epicenter of the global defense industry from May 5-9, 2026. Organized by SAHA Istanbul, the largest defense, aerospace, and space industry cluster in Turkey and Europe, the event will take place at the Istanbul Expo Center for the fifth time, promising to be a monumental showcase of technological prowess and strategic partnerships.
A Record-Breaking Exhibition
Under the inspiring vision of “Dominate Technology, Shape the Future,” SAHA 2026 is designed as a strategic platform focused on investment, business development, and commercialization. The fair is set to break new records, expecting to host over 1,700 participating companies from more than 120 countries across a massive 400,000 square meters. Organizers anticipate over 25,000 planned B2B meetings and more than 200,000 visitors, underscoring its growing global significance.
Innovative Program and Live Demonstrations
The innovative program structure of SAHA 2026 is expanding to meet the evolving needs of the sector. Attendees will have the opportunity for close inspection and interaction with full-scale platforms through an expanded Outdoor Exhibition Area and visits to naval elements at Sarayburnu and Ataköy Port. Live demonstrations and competitions, including an FPV Drone Area, SAHA Unmanned Ground Vehicle Challenge, and SAHA Rover Challenge, will enhance the field-oriented character of the event with operational scenario-like demonstrations.
New Technologies on Display
One of the most anticipated reveals at SAHA 2026 will be the CANiK M3 FALCON, a new-generation 12.7x99mm heavy machine gun developed specifically for the demanding operational needs of air platforms within the Turkish defense industry. SYS Group, a global player in the Turkish defense industry, will not only launch new products but also deepen international collaborations with its “integrated defense ecosystem” vision.
Haluk Görgün, President of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), emphasized that SAHA 2026 will further strengthen the global visibility of local and national initiatives that reinforce technological independence. Görgün highlighted that clusters like SAHA Istanbul are not merely structures that grow production but powerful platforms that accelerate collaboration, joint development, and international expansion, making significant contributions to the more effective global positioning of stakeholders.
SMEs Showcase Capabilities
OSTİM Defense and Aviation Cluster (OSSA), a strong supporter of Turkey’s localization efforts in the defense and aviation industry, will participate comprehensively in SAHA 2026. OSSA aims to bring the sector’s production potential to the global stage, gathering 11 competent member companies offering critical solutions to the defense industry under one roof at its 156-square-meter stand. Additionally, many other OSSA member companies will participate with their own stands to showcase their products and capabilities.
Local Solutions for Critical Test Infrastructures
In Turkish defense and aviation industry, critical test infrastructures previously supplied from abroad are now being replaced by local solutions in nationally developed platforms. The increasing localization rate in Turkey’s aviation platforms in recent years has also heightened the need for test infrastructures used in the development, production, and maintenance processes of these platforms.
DEICO, specializing in test and measurement systems within the Turkish defense and aviation industry, offers a robust response to this need with its Aviolinks product family, developed under its registered brand. This product family, consisting of interface modules supporting MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, and ARINC-825 protocols, enables the establishment of the communication layer of avionics test systems with local resources.
From a Small Workshop to National Air Vehicles
A production effort that began in a small workshop has evolved through generations to meet the critical needs of national air vehicles. Kadir Yıldız founded Yıldız Welding in 1978 in a 30-square-meter workshop in Karaköy Perşembe Pazarı, initially focusing on subcontracted welding work. Today, the company operates in a 400-square-meter production facility in Istanbul and continues its investment in a 2,000-square-meter fully integrated metal manufacturing facility in Ankara Kahramankazan.
Turkish Armored Vehicles and New Unmanned Systems
Nurol Makina will showcase the latest configurations of its armored land vehicles, which have achieved significant international success and are used in over 20 countries, at SAHA 2026. This includes the introduction of the NMS EWB, NMS-L, and EJDER YALÇIN Ambulance vehicles.
High-performance vehicles developed to meet the logistical needs of security forces in the most challenging conditions, such as the KISRAK 4×4, will also be introduced at SAHA 2026. Furthermore, Turkey’s “laser weapon system” will arrive with new capabilities, and armored combat vehicles developed within the Turkish defense industry will be exhibited with their latest equipment and capabilities.
STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc., adding new engineering solutions, will exhibit its air and sea systems developed for the needs of modern warfare for the first time at SAHA 2026. Among the national technologies the company will highlight at the fair is the Long-Range Kamikaze UAV. A new version of the fixed-wing kamikaze UAV ALPAGU, equipped with advanced capabilities, increased range, and payload capacity, an Interceptor UAV System offering an innovative approach to air defense, and a Mini Reconnaissance-Surveillance System providing instant intelligence and data flow will also be introduced to the public for the first time.
Uninterrupted Communication for Unmanned Naval Vehicles
New solutions developed within the Turkish defense industry to meet the uninterrupted communication needs of naval platforms will be introduced at SAHA 2026. NETA Elektronik’s Marine SOTM, specially developed for ships and naval vehicles, will serve as a new-generation satellite communication solution that can maintain uninterrupted satellite connectivity while in motion. Thanks to Marine SOTM, designed in various sizes and configurations, high-performance and uninterrupted satellite communication will also be provided for new-generation unmanned naval vehicle platforms.
Remote Firing System Ready for Duty
New-generation systems aimed at increasing personnel safety in the field with remotely controlled firing solutions will be introduced at SAHA 2026. These systems, along with new-generation converter and management units serving as “nervous system” components for platforms such as aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and armored vehicles, will be showcased for the first time.
Source: TRT Haber
