The SAHA 2026 International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair opened Tuesday at the Istanbul Expo Center and will run through Saturday, May 9, 2026 [1]. The event is organized by SAHA Istanbul, which is described as Türkiye’s and Europe’s largest defense, aviation, and space industry cluster [1].
More than 1,700 companies are expected to participate, including 263 international firms [1]. The fair anticipates drawing over 200,000 members of the public and more than 30,000 industry professionals from over 120 countries [1]. Exhibitors include prominent Turkish defense firms such as Baykar, Aselsan, and Roketsan [1].
The event covers 400,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space, with 20,000 square meters dedicated to outdoor exhibits [1]. More than 30,000 business-to-business meetings are planned throughout the fair, aiming to facilitate networking and partnership deals [1].
SAHA 2026 will feature 203 new product launches and hold 164 signing ceremonies, underscoring the fair’s role as a major platform for defense and aerospace innovation and contracts [1]. Organizers aim to generate at least $8 billion in export contracts during the event, a significant increase from the $6.2 billion volume reached at SAHA 2024 [1].
Over 140 official delegations, more than 800 delegates, and 200 commercial procurement delegations are expected to attend, highlighting the event’s international diplomatic and commercial significance [1].
The fair will close on Saturday, May 9, 2026, after five days of exhibits, meetings, and contract signings [1].
