Turkish defence firms secure record $8 billion in export deals at SAHA expo

Turkish defence companies signed export agreements worth nearly $8 billion during the first three days of SAHA EXPO 2026, marking a historic milestone for Türkiye’s defence industry.

Speaking during the exhibition, the organiser of the event, Haluk Bayraktar, chairman of SAHA Istanbul, said the value of the signed contracts represented a new record for the country’s defence sector, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media. 

“I wholeheartedly congratulate all SAHA Istanbul members who contributed to this outstanding achievement,” he said.

Held from May 5 to 9 at the Istanbul Expo Centre, SAHA EXPO 2026 is among the largest international exhibitions dedicated to defence, aviation, and space industries. The event has attracted participants from more than 120 countries, including government delegations, defence manufacturers, technology firms, and military officials.

Turkish defence companies and state-owned enterprises are showcasing a wide range of domestically developed technologies and military platforms at the exhibition, reflecting the country’s growing ambitions in global defence exports and advanced aerospace manufacturing.

The strong volume of agreements signed during the event highlights increasing international demand for Turkish-made defence systems as Ankara continues expanding its footprint in global defence markets.

By Sabina Mammadli