Türkiye expects around $8 billion in export contracts to be signed during this week’s SAHA 2026 defence and aerospace exhibition in Istanbul, officials have said, highlighting the country’s expanding global footprint in the sector.
Haluk Gorgun, head of the Defense Industries Secretariat, said on Tuesday the deals are likely to be finalised during the five-day event, which brings together hundreds of companies and international delegations.
The exhibition, hosted at the Istanbul Expo Center and organised by SAHA Istanbul, has grown into one of the largest industry gatherings in Europe, drawing participants from more than 120 countries.
Gorgun said the event reflects the rapid rise of Türkiye’s defence ecosystem, with major companies exhibiting alongside networks of subcontractors and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Rapid growth and global reach
The fair has expanded dramatically since its launch in 2018, growing from 180 companies to a sprawling event covering more than 120,000 square meters and welcoming nearly 200 international delegations.
Türkiye’s defence industry has also seen major advances, achieving a localisation rate of over 80 percent and producing systems across land, air, naval, and space domains.
Gorgun said the country now exports more than 230 defence products to 185 countries, with demand continuing to rise.
After reaching a record $10.5 billion in defence and aerospace exports last year, Türkiye has already secured nearly $7 billion in contracts in the first four months of this year alone.
“With this fair, that figure will increase further,” Gorgun said.
