SAHA 2026 Expects $8 Billion in Export Contracts

The SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair, held at the Istanbul Fair Center, commenced with remarks from Haluk Görgün, Head of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB). Görgün announced that approximately $8 billion worth of export contracts are expected to be signed during the fair. The event will be open to visitors until May 9. Görgün noted that SAHA Expo started in 2018 with 180 companies from 12 countries across 5,000 square meters, and by 2024, it had expanded to 121 countries and over 100,000 participants. This year, 121,000 square meters of exhibition space is being used, with around 200 delegations and over 800 official participants expected to attend. Görgün mentioned a 'green route' arrangement at the fairground, where major companies are surrounded by subcontractors and ancillary industries, allowing each company to participate with its own ecosystem. He added that SAHA Istanbul is Europe's largest cluster in defense and aviation, with over 1,300 members. Görgün stated that Turkey's defense industry has achieved a localization rate of over 80% in the last 20 years, developing products and platforms across all domains including land, air, sea, and space. He noted that exports are made to 185 countries, with over 230 products exported, and recalled that a record $10.5 billion in exports was achieved last year. Görgün reported that export contracts approaching $7 billion were signed in the first four months of the year, and they expect this figure to reach $8 billion during the fair. He also indicated that decisions from the Defense Industry Executive Committee and major projects would be announced, and significant export contracts would be signed as a result of companies' business development activities. This is not investment advice.