The Turkish defence and aviation industry is preparing to host one of the largest and most strategic gatherings of the global ecosystem. Organised by SAHA İstanbul, the largest industrial cluster in Türkiye and Europe, SAHA EXPO 2026 International Defence and Aviation Exhibition brings together technology giants from around the world in Istanbul. Taking place under the auspices of the Presidency and with the quality of the prestigious international UFI certificate, the exhibition goes far beyond being a mere showground, declaring our country's vision of technological independence to the entire world. So, when does this massive technology base open its doors, what awaits visitors, and how do the entry processes work? Here is a comprehensive guide for technology and defence enthusiasts.
What is SAHA EXPO and What is Exhibited?
SAHA EXPO is an international platform that focuses directly on production and technology development capacity, unlike traditional defence industry fairs. This year, the organisation hosts visitors in a massive exhibition area exceeding 100,000 square metres. Over 1,500 international participating companies from more than 120 countries are attending the fair.
At the exhibition area, alongside land, naval, air, and space platforms, groundbreaking technologies that will determine future warfare doctrines take the stage. Unmanned systems (UAVs/UCAVs, UGVs, UMVs), AI-powered autonomous algorithms, smart munitions, and cybersecurity software constitute the main focus of the stands. Additionally, throughout the fair, visitors will have the opportunity to watch high-tech-focused live demonstrations such as the FPV Drone Arena, SAHA UGV Challenge, and SAHA Rover Challenge. In SAHA Talks panels, global defence experts will discuss the future of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
B2B Meetings and Strategic Export Hub
Türkiye's rapidly growing defence industry base and Istanbul's strategic geographical location are transforming this fair into a global export hub. Throughout the fair, the organisation committee plans a total of 22,467 strategic meetings, including B2B (Business-to-Business), B2G (Business-to-Government), and G2G (Government-to-Government), involving companies representing 53 different sectors. This massive trade network prepares an unparalleled ground for Turkish defence companies to enter international markets and sign multi-billion dollar new export contracts.
Strategic Vision from Haluk Bayraktar: Drone Centres in 81 Provinces
The greatest feature distinguishing SAHA EXPO 2026 from all other commercial fairs is the organisation's direct investment in Turkish youth and the National Technology Move. Haluk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board of SAHA İstanbul, announced a historic vision that directly integrates the global success of the fair into the future of young people.
In an announcement on his official social media account, Bayraktar shared the following strategic goals:
"With the revenue to be generated from our fair, we are establishing Drone Production and Training Centres in all 81 of our provinces. With these centres, where our young people will take their first step into the ecosystem, we will lead our country to achieve industrial agility and production capacity capable of producing millions of drones when needed."
This massive move clearly shows that Türkiye will gain an unshakeable production resilience spread across the entire country in the asymmetric warfare concept, not just relying on a few factories.
When and Where is the Fair Being Held?
Küresel teknoloji şöleni SAHA EXPO 2026, 5 Mayıs – 9 Mayıs 2026 tarihleri arasında İstanbul Fuar Merkezi’nde (İFM) gerçekleşiyor. Fuar, her gün sabah saat 10:00’da ziyaretçilerine kapılarını açıyor ve 18:00’de kapanıyor. Kapanış günü olan 9 Mayıs Cumartesi günü ise etkinlik saat 17:00’de sona eriyor. Ziyaretçiler, İstanbul’un güçlü ulaşım altyapısı sayesinde metro ve ana arterler üzerinden fuar merkezine kolaylıkla ulaşabiliyor.
Visitor Guide: Fees and Participation Conditions
The organisation management divides the fair visits into two strategic categories: Professional and Public Days.
Professional Visitor Days (Paid):
On May 6-7, 2026, corresponding to the 2nd and 3rd days of the fair, are reserved specifically for sector professionals, delegations, and commercial participants. Defence industry professionals can visit the fair on these days for an entry fee of 1,500 TL.
Public Days (Free):
On May 8-9, 2026, corresponding to the 4th and 5th days of the fair, are designated as "Public Days". Technology enthusiasts, students, and all citizens have the right to visit the fair completely free of charge on these dates.
Critical Rule for SAHA Expo Visitors: Registration Required 24 Hours in Advance
Due to the high-security procedures of defence industry fairs, the management enforces a very strict registration rule. Anyone wishing to visit the fair, regardless of the day, must apply for registration on the official website at least 24 hours prior to the visit date. Due to the security control mechanism, registration applications made less than 24 hours before the visit are strictly not processed by the system. It is of great importance for visitors to pay utmost attention to this rule to avoid experiencing any inconvenience.
