Turkey's defense and aerospace sector achieved $2.8 billion in exports during the first four months of 2026, marking a 28 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Trade Minister Ömer Bolat made the announcement at the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition.

Turkish defense companies signed approximately $8 billion in export contracts during the first three days of the SAHA 2026 fair in Istanbul. This record exceeded expectations set for the entire duration of the event.

Baykar, the Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Italian firm Gruppo Esea at the SAHA 2026 fair. The agreement will establish a fully automated robotic production line to significantly increase manufacturing capacity.

International Test Pilots School Canada will acquire six M-346T Block 20 advanced jet trainers from Leonardo to expand tactical training capacity. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029.

Turkish weapons manufacturer Sarsılmaz and Spain-based EM&E Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the SAHA 2026 defense fair in Istanbul. The agreement targets the integration of machine guns and 25-30 mm cannon systems with remote-controlled weapon platforms.

Malaysia's Maritime Safety Agency will procure HAVELSAN BAHA unmanned aerial vehicles to operate from multi-purpose vessels built by DESAN shipyard. The vertical takeoff-landing platform will support maritime security operations.

During an economic mission to Turkey, Belgian Queen Mathilde visited Baykar's National Technology Center. Selçuk Bayraktar presented the company's unmanned aerial vehicles and kamikaze platforms to the delegation.

During President Erdoğan's visit to Kazakhstan, a significant contract was signed between the two countries to advance strategic cooperation in the defense sector. The agreement reflects the global momentum gained by Turkish defense industry.