SAHA EXPO 2024, running October 22-26 in Istanbul, gathers 1,200+ companies to display Turkey’s latest defense innovations and forge global partnerships, aiming for $2 billion in impact
SAHA EXPO 2024, organized by Turkey’s largest industrial cluster, SAHA Istanbul, is set to take place from October 22-26 in Istanbul, covering 90,000 square meters. With over 1,200 companies, 29 universities, and 500 delegations, the fair will showcase cutting-edge defense technologies—spanning UAVs, radar systems, electronic warfare, and AI—drawing 150,000 visitors from Turkey and abroad. This year’s event aims to generate $2 billion through B2B meetings and signing ceremonies, fostering international partnerships. The expo also underscores Turkey’s commitment to national technology and self-sufficiency in defense, strengthening its global presence in the industry.
ISTANBUL – SAHA Istanbul, the largest industrial cluster in Turkey and Europe, is once again hosting the SAHA EXPO International Defense, Aerospace, and Space Industry Fair. Held biennially under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency, the event takes place from October 22 to 26, 2024, at the Istanbul Expo Center. This year’s fair spans an impressive 90,000 square meters, featuring eight exhibition halls, foyers, and outdoor spaces, making it one of the largest gatherings in the defense and aerospace sector.
The 2024 SAHA EXPO is expected to bring together over 1,200 companies from Turkey and across the globe, alongside 29 universities, 500 official and commercial delegations, and an anticipated 150,000 visitors. Participants will showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations, while B2B meetings and various signing ceremonies aim to create an economic impact valued at approximately $2 billion. The event provides a unique platform for local companies to present advanced defense technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cybersecurity systems, and artificial intelligence solutions, and to forge critical international business partnerships.
Innovative Defense Technologies on Display
The range of innovations at SAHA EXPO spans various high-tech fields, such as advanced radar systems, tanks, electronic warfare technologies, autonomous systems, cyber defense, AI-based tools, and command-and-control systems. Attendees will witness the latest advancements in land, air, sea, and space technology as exhibitors display equipment designed to strengthen both national security and global defense capabilities. By gathering both Turkish and international defense leaders, the event opens new opportunities for expanding market reach and fostering technology exchange.
Global Collaboration Hub for Defense and Aerospace Leaders
SAHA EXPO has quickly become a critical platform for Turkey to strengthen its global presence in the defense sector. The fair facilitates direct engagement between Turkish companies and global defense giants, allowing them to demonstrate technological prowess and secure contracts with international firms from countries like the United States, Germany, and beyond. The event also hosts insightful panels and seminars led by industry pioneers, which serve as a space for exploring the latest trends and developments in defense and aerospace technologies.
Promoting Strategic Autonomy through Local Production and National Technology
SAHA EXPO highlights Turkey’s commitment to national technology development and domestic production, key elements of the country’s strategy to enhance strategic autonomy in the defense sector. This commitment is evident in the wide array of locally produced technologies on display, which not only address Turkey’s own security needs but also meet the high standards required to compete in global markets.
Building on the Momentum of 2022: Rising Growth and Interest
The third SAHA EXPO in 2022 was a milestone, drawing over 78,000 visitors and achieving significant growth in both participation and visitor numbers. That year, the fair hosted 957 companies from 109 countries, facilitated thousands of B2B, B2G (business-to-government), and G2G (government-to-government) meetings, and conducted over 114 signing ceremonies for projects with a combined export value of over $1 billion. The 2024 event aims to further increase engagement, with a 226% rise in visitor numbers and a 112% increase in the number of exhibitors compared to previous years, reflecting the growing interest in Turkey’s defense and aerospace advancements.
In sum, SAHA EXPO represents not only Turkey’s defense and aerospace ambitions but also a valuable platform for creating robust collaborations between local and international firms. As Turkey continues to focus on self-sufficiency in defense technologies, SAHA EXPO will remain central to its strategy for showcasing indigenous capabilities, creating new partnerships, and contributing to the nation’s goals of technological independence.
