SAHA 2026 runs 5–9 May 2026 at Istanbul Expo Center (UFI-certified).
SAHA 2026 will return to the Istanbul Expo Center on 5–9 May 2026, positioning SAHA 2026 as Europe’s most consequential defence and aerospace convergence this cycle. With more than 1,500 exhibitors across 100,000 sqm, the exhibition will connect primes, SMEs, researchers and government buyers in a high‑velocity, outcomes‑driven setting.[1]
Key Facts — SAHA 2026
Dates: 5–9 May 2026
Venue: Istanbul Expo Center, Türkiye
Scale: 100,000 sqm; 1,500+ exhibitors; 100,000+ professional attendees
Reflecting its national importance, SAHA 2026 is organized with the support of key institutions. These include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Ministry of Trade, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. They also include the Turkish General Staff and the Armed Forces Commands, the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Secretariat of Defence Industries, the General Command of Gendarmerie, the Turkish National Police, the Coast Guard Command, AFAD, the Turkish Space Agency, and the city’s leading chambers, ISO and ITO.[1][5][6][7][8]
This interagency backing signals clear policy alignment. It prioritizes export growth, supply‑chain resilience, and dual‑use innovation—core themes since 2020. Therefore, the SAHA 2026 agenda moves beyond showcases and focuses on contractable outcomes and long‑term partnerships.
Momentum from SAHA EXPO 2024
The 2024 edition set an elevated baseline. It gathered 1,478 companies from 120 countries and hosted more than 25,000 structured business meetings. The week concluded with 133 cooperation agreements and $6.2 billion in transactions.[1] With a larger footprint this cycle, SAHA 2026 aims to compound these gains. It integrates more international primes, universities and R&D centers across 53 sectors.
Why this matters for Europe’s defence economy
UFI certification enforces international standards on visitor quality, auditability and operations—key attributes for defence delegations and procurement teams.[2] Moreover, combined with Türkiye’s industrial base and geostrategic connectivity, SAHA 2026 becomes a reliable venue for suppliers. It helps secure offset pathways, localize production and de‑risk long lead items through second‑ and third‑tier partnerships.
“SAHA 2026 is more than a trade show—it is a strategic convergence of innovation, diplomacy, and industrial capability.”SAHA Istanbul press statement[1]
Live demonstrations across all domains
To validate performance claims in realistic conditions, SAHA 2026 expands its live demonstration program. The FPV Drone Zone will simulate contested, GPS‑degraded urban and field scenarios. Meanwhile, the SAHA UGV (IKA) Challenge will stress autonomous land systems on obstacle‑rich courses. In addition, the SAHA Rover Challenge will test navigation, endurance and autonomy in rugged terrain. Finally, a Disruptive Technology Zone will exhibit integrated C2, sensor fusion and AI‑enabled kill‑chain solutions that mirror multi‑domain operations.[1]
Outdoor & Naval Exhibition Area
The Outdoor & Naval Exhibition Area is larger and more accessible. It will host full‑scale vehicles, naval systems and deployable platforms. This layout enables close‑up evaluation of hull forms, modular payload bays, radome integrations and maintenance access points. Those details matter for lifecycle cost modeling and interoperability.
B2B, B2G and G2G meetings—engineered for outcomes
Structured dealflow remains the center of gravity. SAHA 2026 will run targeted B2B supplier matching, G2B procurement briefings and closed‑door G2G dialogues. These formats align program timelines, licensing and financing. As a result, the objective is practical: accelerate TRL‑8/9 products into service and open new markets for SMEs through co‑development and tech‑transfer frameworks.[1]
Panels, SAHA Talks and NATO DIANA
On the conference side, SAHA Talks will convene chief executives, flag officers, innovation leads and policy experts. Sessions will address AI in defence, autonomous systems, space architectures, smart munitions, cyber resilience and joint development models. Moreover, as in 2024, the program will host NATO DIANA activities that spotlight dual‑use acceleration and venture‑ready demonstrators within the NATO innovation ecosystem.[3]
Thematic & National Pavilions
Curated pavilions will aggregate excellence in cybersecurity, unmanned systems, space technologies and supply‑chain solutions. In parallel, national pavilions will support trade promotion and bilateral industrial cooperation. Delegations can present roadmaps, procurement needs and offset priorities in structured formats.
Product launches across the spectrum
Attendees should expect first‑showings across the full spectrum. These include land combat systems, naval platforms, missile technologies, aerospace engineering, UAVs, artillery systems and space technologies. They also include rotary and fixed‑wing aircraft, air‑defence solutions, robotic systems and smart soldier equipment. Overall, organizers anticipate 300+ new products making global debuts.[1]
How to plan your participation
Whether you represent a multinational prime, an SME, a defence attaché office or a space technology investor, SAHA 2026 offers an efficient gateway to reach qualified buyers and program offices. First, align your objectives to the event’s meeting architecture. Next, map your priority delegations; the event draws visitors from 120+ countries. Then, coordinate your presence around the live demo schedule to maximize buyer flow to your booth. For strategic context on cross‑domain trends, see our internal analysis of defence and aerospace strategic shifts.[4]
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