OSTİM Defense and Aerospace Cluster, one of the supporters of Türkiye’s localization drive in the defense and aerospace industry, is preparing for a strong presence at SAHA 2026. The cluster will bring together 11 member companies under a single roof at a 156-square-meter joint stand during the exhibition, which will be held at the Istanbul Expo Center on 5-9 May 2026. This participation is designed to present the production strength and engineering depth of Turkish SMEs to a wider international audience.

The companies taking part in the joint stand include Tecus, Tolga Plastik, Dora Makina, TIC Gözetim, Pars Savunma, Bosan Savunma, Akalın Isıl İşlem, Teksan Hidrolik, Ankara Bronz, KTS Kaya Otomotiv, and İhamer. These firms represent a broad range of capabilities, from machining and heat treatment to hydraulics, defense technologies, electromekanical systems, sensors, and power electronics. Together, they reflect how Turkish SMEs are becoming more visible not only as subcontractors, but also as capable industrial partners with specialized know-how.

During the exhibition, the participating companies are expected to hold strategic meetings with domestic prime contractors as well as international delegations. Through this model of collective participation, OSSA aims to strengthen the role of SMEs in the global supply chain and support Türkiye’s export ambitions in defense and aerospace. The initiative also highlights the collaborative culture that has become one of the defining characteristics of the Turkish defense ecosystem.

OSSA Chairman İbrahim Yarsan said SAHA 2026 is a valuable platform for demonstrating the global competitiveness of Türkiye’s indigenous defense industry. He emphasized that the joint presence of 11 member companies in the shared space clearly shows the critical role played by SMEs within the broader industrial ecosystem. Yarsan also noted that the connections established at SAHA 2026 are expected to be carried further into IDA Türkiye, which will be held on 14-16 October 2026.

In broader terms, OSSA’s participation in SAHA 2026 shows that Turkish SMEs are no longer seen only as background suppliers, but increasingly as technology and production partners with export potential. The joint stand model provides a unified showcase for diverse industrial competencies and offers an effective way to increase international visibility for Türkiye’s smaller yet highly capable defense companies.