SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition
SAHA Istanbul proudly announces the highly anticipated return of the SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition, set to take place at the renowned Istanbul Expo Center from May 5-9, 2026. Scheduled to be one of the most influential and prestigious global gatherings in the industry, SAHA 2026 will feature over 1,500 exhibitors from diverse sectors, including major corporations, cutting-edge startups, prestigious universities, and renowned industry specialists from around the world. The exhibition will span an expansive space of 100,000 sqm, reaffirming its status as a world-class defence and aerospace showcase.
The exhibition will be held with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Industry and Technology, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Turkish General Staff and the Armed Forces Commands, the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Secretariat of Defence Industries, the General Command of Gendarmerie, the Turkish National Police, the Coast Guard Command, AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Precidency), the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO), and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO). SAHA 2026 is positioned as a strategic platform aimed at advancing technological development in Türkiye and across Europe. It is designed to deepen international cooperation, foster innovative technologies, and enhance interaction among global stakeholders.
SAHA 2026 builds upon the historic success of SAHA EXPO 2024, which brought together 1,478 companies from 120 countries, hosted 22.467 meticulously organised business meetings, resulted in 133 strategic cooperation agreements, and generated $6.2 billion in business transactions. With an even larger exhibition space exceeding 100,000 sqm, SAHA 2026 is set to welcome over 1,500 companies, including both domestic champions and global industry leaders. The event will unite government institutions, universities, R&D centers, and ecosystem stakeholders across 53 sectors, creating a synergistic environment for breakthroughs, cooperation, and commercial success.
The exhibition is internationally certified by UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – and continues to gain recognition as a platform of strategic relevance, drawing foreign and domestic delegations, buyers, and government representatives from across five continents. The presence of senior military leadership, defence ministers, space agency representatives, and high-level government officials from more than 120 countries reaffirms SAHA 2026 as a cornerstone of global defence diplomacy.
SAHA 2026 offers participants a rich and immersive experience designed to highlight innovation, stimulate international cooperation, and deepen industry knowledge across the defence and aerospace landscape. The event will feature a broad spectrum of live technical demonstrations and skill-based competitions. Among them are the FPV Drone Zone, where drones will perform advanced manoeuvres in simulated tactical settings, and the SAHA UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) Challenge, which will display the performance of autonomous land systems in real-world conditions. The SAHA Rover Challenge will test engineering resilience in rugged terrain, while the Disruptive Technology Zone will present game-changing technologies and integrated systems that represent the future of battlefield readiness.
A significantly expanded Outdoor & Naval Exhibition Area will provide a platform for full-scale vehicles, naval systems, and operational platforms, allowing for close-up evaluations and hands-on engagement with state-of-the-art technologies across all domains of defence.
To facilitate strategic alliances and global partnerships, SAHA 2026 will host a series of targeted networking sessions. These include business-to-business (B2B), government-to-business (G2B), and government-to-government (G2G) meetings, each crafted to foster collaboration, create procurement opportunities, and open access to new international markets.
Complementing the exhibition floor, a compelling series of international panels and keynote presentations will gather senior defence officials, aerospace executives, innovation leaders, and policy experts. These sessions will tackle pressing topics such as emerging threats, digital transformation in defence, the future of air combat, the dual-use potential of technologies, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in national and global security.
Further underlining its role as a driver of global collaboration, SAHA 2026 will feature high-profile signing ceremonies marking major bilateral and multilateral agreements. These milestones will reflect strategic cooperation across borders, enabling technology transfer, co-development efforts, and long-term defence partnerships.
The exhibition will also serve as a launchpad for technological innovation, with exclusive previews of cutting-edge solutions through product unveilings. Attendees will be among the first to witness the advancements shaping the future of the defence and aerospace industries. More than 300 new products are expected to make their global debut.
Dedicated Thematic and National Pavilions will showcase regional expertise and specialised sectors, including cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and space technologies. These pavilions will foster dialogue, promote international trade, and serve as a hub for cross-border cooperation.
SAHA 2026 will elevate knowledge sharing through panels, workshops, and special sessions under the SAHA Talks umbrella. CEOs, commanders, decision-makers, and researchers will gather around topics such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, satellite technologies, smart munitions, and joint development projects. Additionally, NATO DIANA events, the dual-use innovation acceleration initiative, will also take place within the scope of SAHA 2026.
With over 25,000 planned B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings, SAHA 2026 offers an unparalleled procurement and market entry opportunity.
SAHA 2026 is more than a trade show—it is a strategic convergence of innovation, diplomacy, and industrial capability. Türkiye is not only showcasing its technological acumen but also offering its industrial and scientific ecosystem to friendly and allied nations, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner in the global defence and aerospace supply chain. The event strongly emphasises peace through strength, international security collaboration, and responsible innovation for a more secure and technologically advanced future.
Whether you are a multinational prime contractor, an SME or startup, a defence attaché, or a space technology investor, SAHA 2026 offers an unparalleled gateway to connect with global leaders, secure strategic partnerships, and shape the direction of future defence capabilities. Participants will benefit from interacting with over 100,000 attendees, attending high-level summits, and witnessing the unveiling of the next generation of game-changing technologies.
Join us in the vibrant and strategic city of Istanbul, uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and be part of groundbreaking developments redefining the defence and aerospace landscape. Be a part of this global gathering where tomorrow's defence and aerospace strategies take shape. This is your opportunity to contribute to the future of innovation, collaboration, and global security.