Major defence and aerospace exhibition opens in Istanbul

One of the region’s largest defence and aerospace exhibitions has opened in Istanbul, bringing together companies, officials and industry experts from around the world.

The event, organised by SAHA Istanbul, is being held at the Istanbul Expo Centre. More than 1,700 companies are taking part, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind in both Türkiye and Europe.

Held under the slogan “Master Technology Shaped the Future”, the exhibition has drawn strong international interest. Organisers say delegations and participants from over 120 countries are attending, reflecting the growing importance of defence technology amid a tense global climate.

Geopolitics driving investment

At the opening ceremony, SAHA Istanbul chairman Halil İhsan spoke about the impact of geopolitical tensions on the industry.

He said shifting alliances and security concerns are pushing countries to invest more in advanced technologies and strengthen co-operation with partners.

Platform for deals and partnerships

The exhibition is not only about showcasing equipment; it also serves as a platform for negotiations. Officials and company representatives are holding a series of meetings aimed at building partnerships and securing new deals.

Previous editions have led to significant agreements. In 2024, contracts and co-operation deals worth around $6.2 billion were signed following similar meetings, underlining the commercial weight of the event.

Drones and new technologies in focus

Visitors this year can expect a wide range of displays, from drone demonstrations to presentations of new defence systems.

A new feature, the “World Drone Wars” event, is attracting particular attention, highlighting the growing role of unmanned systems in modern conflicts.

More than 300 new products are expected to be unveiled during the exhibition.

Organisers say additional agreements are likely to be signed before the event closes, as companies seek to expand their reach in an increasingly competitive market.

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