The SAHA EXPO Defense, Aerospace, and Space Industry Fair, organized by SAHA Istanbul, Europe's largest industrial cluster, has begun.
Under the auspices of the Presidency, and with the support of six ministries and the Presidency of Defense Industries, the fair is being held at the Istanbul Expo Center from October 22-26, in partnership with Anadolu Agency as the global communication partner.
At the fair, which features 1,478 companies from over 120 countries, Turkish defense industry firms are showcasing their latest technologies.
Baykar Spokesperson İlker Akgüngör stated that they have participated in SAHA EXPO since its inaugural year, adding, "It is possible to see all members of the Bayraktar UAV family at this fair."
Akgüngör explained that Türkiye's first unmanned combat aircraft, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, is also featured at their booth, continuing:
"Outside the booth, it will be possible to see the Bayraktar TB2 and TB3, as well as the Bayraktar AKINCI. Other members of our product family are also present at the booth, including the mini smart cruise missiles KEMANKEŞ 1 and 2, and electro-optical imaging and targeting systems. We will also showcase advanced avionics and electronic communication systems for the first time at this fair."
Roketsan Board Chairman Faruk Yiğit highlighted that they are showcasing nearly 20 products at SAHA EXPO, noting that a wide range of products are being introduced, including those for ground-to-air, air-to-sea, and sea-to-space applications.
Yiğit emphasized that they will be introducing three new products: the Roketsan Pusu, the LG-155 laser-guided artillery ammunition, and the laser-guided medium-range anti-tank missile system L-OMTAS.
Yiğit expressed that they participate in SAHA EXPO with an increasingly larger product portfolio each year, stating, "We are pleased to be at SAHA EXPO. We are contributing to our country's strength. We also have products displayed outside the booth, showcasing larger systems. The biggest benefit of being at SAHA EXPO for us is the opportunity to make direct contact with supplier subcontractors. This will significantly strengthen our ecosystem."
ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol stated that Türkiye is striving to crown its recent advancements in the defense sector with exports and international collaborations, emphasizing that ASELSAN is a company at the very center of this journey.
Akyol noted that ASELSAN's electronic systems are present across all platforms developed by the Turkish defense industry, from submarines to ships, ground vehicles to tanks, UAVs to aircraft, and satellites. He stated:
"We are a company serving all platforms at the center of the industry with cutting-edge products. Large companies elevate SMEs through significant projects. We are working closely with the companies at SAHA EXPO. In the first nine months, we have placed $1.6 billion in orders with SMEs. As ASELSAN grows, we provide substantial support to smaller companies. At SAHA EXPO, we will introduce 10 new products in three areas to the public. Today, we will launch four new products related to anti-drone systems in response to drone attacks. Tomorrow, we will unveil electronic warfare pods for UAVs and state-of-the-art network-based communication systems for aircraft for the first time at this fair. ASELSAN is set to sign new contracts worth approximately $1 billion, both domestically and internationally."
HAVELSAN will showcase the latest advancements in digital troop technology for the first time at SAHA EXPO 24 through practical demonstrations. The displayed digital military product family, including Cengaver, the mixed reality product family Asger, the C4I product family Doob, and the middleware software Octopus, will further enhance digital forces.
HAVELSAN General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar stated that they are showcasing many products related to simulation, autonomous systems, command control, urban security management systems, unmanned autonomous vehicles, and swarm technology at SAHA EXPO.
Nacar emphasized that the growth of Türkiye's defense industry can be clearly seen at SAHA EXPO, mentioning that he has had discussions with many companies at the fair and that contracts will be signed.
SAHA EXPO is expected to host 178 foreign purchasing delegations, including 312 official delegations, 25 of which will be at the ministerial level.
At the fair, panels will be held under various topics, including "Leading the Deep Technology Revolution in Defense and Security," "Development of the Space Ecosystem and International Cooperation Opportunities," "Emerging Technologies in Defense: Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy," "National Technology Initiative in Defense Industry: The Türkiye Model," "Cyber Warfare and Future Conflict Scenarios: Preparing for the Unknown," and "Entrepreneurship in the Defense Industry: Risks and Opportunities."
As part of the fair, contracts and cooperation agreements will be signed, B2B meetings will take place, and FPV drone races and presentations will be held.
SAHA EXPO will be open to international and Turkish professionals from October 22-24. The fair will be open to the public on October 25-26.
